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Coffin v. Ogden
United States Supreme Court
85 U.S. (18 Wall.) 120, 21 L. Ed. 821 (1873)
- Written by Eric Miller, JD
Facts
In 1861, William Kirkham invented a reversible door lock that could lock in both left and right directions. Kirkham obtained a patent, which later came into the possession of Coffin (plaintiff). Coffin brought a patent-infringement action against Ogden (defendant). Testimony established that at least five people were aware of the same invention existing in completely functional form before 1860 and that Barthol Erbe was the inventor. One witness stated that he had seen the reversible lock affixed to a door at Erbe’s house. The circuit court found in favor of Ogden. Coffin appealed. The United States Supreme Court granted certiorari.
Rule of Law
Issue
Holding and Reasoning (Swayne, J.)
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