Edison v. Edison Polyform Mfg. Co.
New Jersey Court of Chancery
73 N.J. Eq. 136, 67 A. 392 (1907)
- Written by Meredith Hamilton Alley, JD
Facts
Thomas Edison (plaintiff), the inventor of the light bulb, formulated a topical pain-relief liquid. The Edison Polyform Manufacturing Company (the company) (defendant) manufactured and marketed a topical pain-relief liquid that was identical to Edison’s formula except that the company’s version did not contain morphine. The labels on the company’s bottles bore Edison’s name and image, as well as Edison’s purported certification that the company used his formula in manufacturing the liquid. Edison did not authorize the use of his name or image and did not provide the certification. Edison sued the company for unauthorized use of his name and image and the false certification. The company argued that Edison did not have standing to sue because he was not a business competitor.
Rule of Law
Issue
Holding and Reasoning (Stevens, J.)
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