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Kalem Company v. Harper Brothers

United States Supreme Court

222 U.S. 55 (1911)

Facts

The novel Ben-Hur, by the late Lew Wallace, was made into a film by the Kalem Company (Kalem) (defendant), which did not secure rights. The book’s publisher, Harper Brothers (plaintiff), brought a copyright action against Kalem. The trial court found in favor of Harper Brothers and issued an order to enjoin further infringement. Kalem appealed. The United States Supreme Court granted certiorari.

Rule of Law

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Issue

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Holding and Reasoning (Holmes, J.)

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A "yes" or "no" answer to the question framed in the issue section;
A summary of the majority or plurality opinion, using the CREAC method; and
The procedural disposition (e.g., reversed and remanded, affirmed, etc.).

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