Panduit Corp. v. Dennison Manufacturing Co.
United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit
774 F.2d 1082, 227 U.S.P.Q. 337 (1985)
- Written by Eric Miller, JD
Facts
Jack Caveney, the founder of Panduit Corp. (plaintiff), began developing a one-piece plastic cable tie in 1961. Caveney succeeded in creating a one-piece tie that was distinguished by the minimal force required to be insert the strap (one-half pound) and the high force required to withdraw the strap (80 pounds). The tie was first sold in 1970, and a patent on the invention was issued in 1976. Also in 1976, Dennison Manufacturing Company (Dennison) (defendant) copied the tie. Panduit brought an infringement action in federal district court. The court heard extensive testimony from Caveney, who described the shortcomings of the prior art as of the time period in which he created the invention. However, the court ruled in favor of Dennison, deeming the patent invalid on the ground of obviousness. Panduit appealed to the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.
Rule of Law
Issue
Holding and Reasoning (Markey, J.)
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