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Winans v. Denmead

56 U.S. 330 (1853)

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Winans v. Denmead

United States Supreme Court
56 U.S. 330 (1853)

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Facts

Ross Winans (plaintiff) obtained a patent on an improvement to railroad cars used for transporting coal. The lower part of the Winans coal car was conical and circular in shape—a design that lowered the center of gravity, resulting in increased load-bearing capacity. Adam, Edward, and Talbot Denmead (defendants) made a similar type of coal car but with an octagonal shape. Winans brought a patent-infringement suit against the Denmeads. The trial court held that there was no infringement because of the difference in form. Winans appealed to the United States Supreme Court.

Rule of Law

Issue

Holding and Reasoning (Curtis, J.)

Dissent (Campbell, J.)

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