The lawsuit alleges that the activities of the gun companies led to an increase in violence in Mexico.
The Mexican government has sued American arms manufacturers and distributors, claiming that their commercial practices have led to an increase in violence in the country.
An unusual lawsuit was filed in the US Federal Court in Boston.
Defendants include the largest US arms companies.
According to the lawsuit, the companies know that their activities contribute to the illegal import of weapons into Mexico.
Mexico is demanding compensation for the damage caused to its country by arms.
The sale of firearms in Mexico is severely restricted, but powerful drug cartels smuggle thousands of weapons into the country.