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Smith International, Inc. v. Hughes Tool Co.

United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit
718 F.2d 1573, 219 U.S.P.Q. 686 (1983)

Written by Eric Miller, JD

Facts

Smith International, Inc. (Smith) (plaintiff) sought a declaratory judgment of invalidity of a patent held by Hughes Tool Company (Hughes) (defendant). Hughes counterclaimed for infringement of that patent and another Hughes patent. Smith admitted to infringement. The federal district court found the patents invalid and dismissed Hughes’s counterclaims. Hughes appealed to the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, which reversed and remanded. Back in district court, Hughes moved for a preliminary injunction against continued infringement of the patents. The court denied the motion on the ground that Hughes had failed to provide sufficient proof of the extent of Smith’s infringement. Hughes appealed to the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.

Rule of Law

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Issue

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Holding and Reasoning (Skelton, 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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