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Hall v. Macneale

107 U.S. 90, 2 S. Ct. 73, 27 L. Ed. 367 (1883)

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Hall v. Macneale

United States Supreme Court
107 U.S. 90, 2 S. Ct. 73, 27 L. Ed. 367 (1883)

Facts

In 1867, Joseph Hall (plaintiff) obtained a patent for an improvement to the security of safes. The invention entailed the use of conical bolts that were hidden from view. In a patent-infringement action brought by Hall, it was revealed that, between 1859 and 1864, Hall had exhibited and sold three safes using the same bolts. The circuit court concluded that these safes constituted prior public use of the invention and dismissed Hall’s claim. Hall appealed. The United States Supreme Court granted certiorari.

Rule of Law

Issue

Holding and Reasoning (Blatchford, J.)

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