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He thereupon assessed the duties upon the va'ue In maIks, namely, $240. The ooard of general appraisers reversed this decision upon the ground that :dorins, not marks, were the legal currency of the Austrian empire, and the value in florins must be taken. At the trial before the circuit court it was contended In behalf of the government that this was purely a question upon the appraised value; that the importer could not raise it under a protest, and the decision of the collector was final; that the collector was bound to assess the duties upon the highest value stated In the Invoice; also that the goods must be tal.en as actunlly purchased in marks, and it was therefore proper for the appraiser to make his return of valuation in marks, and for the collector to assess duty accordingly.
Henry D. Sedgwick, Jr., Asst. U. S. Atty. W. Wickham Smith, for the importer. District Judge. The questions presented in this case are so strikingly similar to those presented in Re McOarty, 46 Fed. 360, that that decision would seem to be controlling herein. 'l'he circumstances stated by counsel for the United States do not seem to so distinguish the respective provisions or so differpntiate the facts as to call for the application of a different rule. After the conclusion of the argument, counsel for the United States filed a memorandum claiming that the questions herein are determined by the case of U. S. v. Klingenberg, 153 U. S. 93, 14 Sup. Ct. 790. In the absence of any opportunity to discuss this question upon the argument, I am not sufficiently familiar with the practice to pass upon the question therein involved. The decision of the general appraisers assessing the merchandise according to the valuation of the country of purchase and from whence imported is affirmed.
MATHESON
v. OAlMPBELL.
(Circuit Court, S. D. New York. May 18, 1896.) 1. PnOCB;Ss AND PRODUCT PATENTS-ANTHJIPATION-CHEMlCAL IDENTITY.
The fact that a coal-tar dye, similar to a dye covered by a process and product patent, and answering to the chemical tests of the patent, was on sale in this country prior to the application, is not sufficient to show anticipation, where it appears that such prior patent was not identical therewith, as shown by the fact that it was made from a different starting material, was much inferior in quality, and was sold at a much higher price. 69 Fed. 597, affirmed, on rehearing. Where a patent first describes a new and patentable process, producing an article chemically or technically identical with an article formerly known, but superior thereto, and the invention is a meritorious one, a valid claim may 00 made for the product, as well as for the process. 69 Fed. 597, affirmed, on rehearing.
2. SAME-VALIDITY OF PnODUC'l' PATENT.
8. SAME-INFRINGEM.f<JNT-BuRDEN OF PROOF.
t.
In a suit for infringement of a process and product patent covering a composition or chemical product, the complainant has sustained the burden of proof, re!lting on him, as to infringement, when he shows that defendant's product corresponds to the teste. of identity; and the burden is then upon defendant to show that it was not made by the patented process.
SAME-COLOR COMPOUNDS-COAL-TAU PRODUCTS.
The Hoffman and Weinberg process and product patent, No. ,H5,901, for a naphthol-black color compound, made from coal-tar products, held valid and infringed. 69 Fed. 597, atfirmed, on rehearing.
MATHESON V. CAMPBELL.
281
This was a suit in equity by William J. Matheson against John Campbell for alleged infringement of patent No. 345,901, issued July 20, 1886, to Meinhard Hoffman and Arthur Weinberg, and assigned to complainant. The circuit court construed and sustained the patent, and found that the defendant's product infringed the same, but left the case open for further proofs as to the date of the sale com· plained of. 69 Fed. 597. Further proofs were accordingly made, and thereafter an order was made for a decree for injunction and ac, counting. Subsequently, on motion of defendant, a rehearing was granted, and the cause has again been argued to the court. Henry P. Wells, for complainant. E. N. Dickerson, for defendant. TOWNSEND, District Judge. Counsel for defendant insists that the court, in its original opinion (69 Fed. 597), has confused a patent for a product with an invention of a process, and has therefore sustained a claim for a product merely because the process by which the product was obtained has patentable novelty and invention. On a careful re-examination of said opinion, I fail to find any such confu· sion. It may well be that the patentee should have claimed the process separately, as well as the product of such process. The invention was found to have been meritorious and beneficial to the public. The language of the opinion, in which the scope of the patent is stated, is as follows: "I conclude, therefore, that the multifariousness of the general formula does not Invalidate the whole patent, but that said patent may be valid, at least where so limited as to embrace only the product of the special process, definitely stated and applied to naphthylamine-disulphonate of sodium, as specifically claimed,"
Defendant further argues that, if the product of the patent is identical with or equivalent to an article in use or on sale in this country prior to the date of the alleged invention, it is anticipated, and that the evidence both of complainant's and defendant's experts shows that, although the azo-black formerly sold was made from a different starting material, namely, a mono-sulpho acid, instead of a di-sulpho acid, it answers all the tests of the patent, and other well· known tests not therein named, and that the azo-black is therefore the equivalent of naphthol-black, and so anticipates it. The contention on the part of the defendant may be most strongly put as follows: The court has found that a certain black, known as "azoblack," was imported into the United States prior to the date of the patent in suit, which is now known to be in fact a naphthol-black, and which corresponds with the tests of the patent, and certain other tests. The products, therefore, are chemically identical. The defendant's color also corresponds to the tests of the patent, and certain other tests, and is found to be chemically identical with it. Therefore, the defendant forcibly claims, if the defendant's color is an infringement, the a?JO-black is an anticipation, and cites Reed v. Cutter, 1 Story, 598, Fed. Cas. No. 11,645, and Coffin v. Ogden, 18 Wall. 124. He argues that the patentee herein is not the original inventor of the patented prodUct, because such product was known
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FEDERAL' REPORTER.
and used pl'ior to his invention, although such knowledge and use were secret. Whatever may be the similarity or equivalency chemically, I do not understand that the azo-black was commercially or practically the same thing asthe black of the patent in suit. It is true, as the chemical experts state, azo-black is now known to be naphthol-black. But it nowhere appears that said color and the patent color are practically identical. In addition to the statements as to nonidentity in the original opinion, it appears from uncontroverted testimony that the original azo-black is not a product embraced within the special process of the patent in suit, but is only covered by the general formula which was rejected by the court. Assuming that this alleged anticipating azo-black was publicly sold in this country prior to the application for the patent in suit, it further appearS) from the testimony of Dr. Schweitzer, that in 1887, two years after said application, the Badische manufactory had just stopped the manufacture of this secret coloring matter, and that "that coloring matter rubbed off very badly, and was very Inferior to naphthol-black, which at that time appeared in the market. It was so inferior to the naphthol-black that the Badische took out a license for manufacturing and selling naphthol-black, which license they used until now." It further appears that this prior azo-black was only imported to this country for about 18 months. It was, therefore, manifestly inferior to the patented naphthol-black, and the latter appears to have entirely superseded the other in actual use. If, as I have concluded, the patented product is superior to said azo-black, it is not identical therewith, and a patent therefor may be sustained. Furthermore, counsel for complainant shows that the azo-black tested by defendant's expert was a sample produced by Dr. Limpach in ISH:!, and tllat his tests differ substantially from the tests of the earlier azo-black as stated in SchuIts and Julius' Tables, a recognized authority on coal-tar colors. The further question arises, where a patent first describes a new and patentable process, producing a superior article, and where said product is chemically or technically identical with an article formerly known, and a claim is made for the product of the described process, and the invention is meritorious, will the rules of liberal construction allow a claim for the product of the described process to be sustained? I have held that they will. Thf" claim is: "As a new product the herein-described dyestulr or coloring matter, and capable of dyeing shades of dark blue, as set forth."
The description contained in the specification consists only of a statement of the starting material which differs from that of azoblack and of the process specifically described. In Rubber Co. v. Goodyear, 9 Wall. 795, the claim was as follows: "What is claimed as the invention of Charles Goodyear, deceased, is the new manufacture of vulcanized India rubber (whether with or without other ingredients), chemically altered by the application of heat, substantially as described."
The court says a patent should be construed in a liberal spirit, to sustain the just claims of the inventor. This principle is not to
283
be carried so far as to exclude what is in it, or to interpolate anything which it does not contain. But liberality, rather than strict· ness, should prevail, where the fate of the patent is involved, and the question to be decided is whether the inventor shall hold or lose the fruits of his genius and his labors. In Smith v. Vulcanite Co., 93 U. S. 486, 493, the claim was as follows: "Tbe plate of hard rubber or vulcanite, or its equivalent, for holding artificial teeth, or teeth and gums, substantially as described."
The court says: "The invention, then, is a product or manufacture, made in a defined manner. It is not a product alone, separated from the process by which it is created. The claim reft'rs, in terms, to the antecedent description, without which it cannot be understood. The process detailed is thereby made as much a part of the invention as are the materials of which the product is composed."
In Pickhardt v. Packard, 22 Fed. 530, 531, the claim was as follows: "As a new manufacture, the coloring matter or sulpho-acid of dinitro-alpha naphthol obtaiined from the action of nitric acid upon the within described alphanaphthol sulpho-acids, substantially in the manner set forth, or by any other method which will produce a like result."
Judge vVallace says: "The claim of the patent is not to be construed as one for his coloring matter, obtained by any method or process of treating the alpha-naphthol sulpho-acids with nitric acids, but for any method of treatment which is the equivalent of the process described, because it produces like results. The claim is capable of this construction, and should be construed so as, if possible, to secure the real invention to the patentee."
In Holliday v. Pickhardt, 29 Fed. 853, the court said, quoting from Cochrane v. Badische AnBin & Soda Fabrik, 111 U. S. 293, 4 Sup. Ct. 455: "Every patent for a product or composition of matter must identify it, so that it can be recognized aside from the description of the process for making it, or else nothing can be held to infringe the patent which is not made by that process."
And adds: "The patent does not fall within the category of those in which the claim is limited by its terms to a product produced by a specified process, nor of those in which the article is old, but is made by a new process, or made by machinery, instead of hand. Rubber Co. v. Goodyear, 9 Wall. 788."
This clearly implies that there may be patents limited. to a product produced by a special pr()Cess. Defendant claims that, as the chemical tests used to identify his article with the product of the patent also identify azo-black as that product, there is no proof that defendant's article was made by said process, and infringes said patent. In Pickhardt v. Packard, supra, the court says, concerning the question of infringement: "It was not shown by the complainants that the defendants' coloring matter was made by the process described in the patent, nor was any evidence to the contrary produced by the defendants. The proofs show satisfactorily, however, that the defendants' coloring matter possesses the peculiar characteristics of the patented article. Snfficient appears to establish the chemical identity of the defendants' coloring matter with the complainants' by the evidence of the results produced by
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eacb In experJmental tests. All these results were new until Caro's process was employed, a sufficient prima tacie case is shown upon the question of Infringement."
It appears, as already stated, that, although the original azo-black corresponds to the tests of the patent, it was produced from a different star'ting material, and was not a subject of the special process of the patent, as interpreted by the court. On the other hand, in the case of defendant's color, it not only appears that it corresponds to said tests, but the defendant's expert admits that, in making. defendant's color, he uses the starting materials named in the special process described in the patent in suit. The theory upon whioh the court has decided this branch of the case, and which it has found no occasion to depart from after the argument for a rehearing, is as follows: Oomplainant has sustained the burden of proof which is upon him, when he has shown, as to infringement, that the alleged infringing product corresponds to the tests of identity. The burden is then upon defendant to show that the prOduct, being identical in chemical composition, was not produced by the· patented process. This the defendant has failed to do. In the. case of a prior sale of an article which corresponds to the tests of the patent, where the composition of said article is a secret, and cannot be ascertained by investigation or analysis, it mayor may not constitute an anticipation. But proof of such sale imposes upon the defendant the burden of showing that said product, although identical· in chemical composition, is not the product claimed in the patent in suit, because it is either produced from different starting materials, or by a different process, or has other different characteristics. Pickhardt v. Packard, supra. A'1though this matter was briefly considered in the original opinion, it was not more fully discussed because, as the court said, in passing upon the questions of equivalency under the general formula: "In vIew of the conclusions reached, the consideration of these matters was un· necessary; but it seemed desirable, In the peculiar circumstances of this case, to pass upon the various poInts raised, in order that they may be more readily pre· sented upon appeal."
The invention covered by this patent was of great benefit to the public. The fact that the prior azo-black was sold in small quantities, at a high price, and was of comparatively little use to the public, whereas, by complainant's invention, a superior article is produced at a lower price, and is a marked commercial success, entirely replacing the original article in the market, is of much greater importance in the determination of the question of equivalency than are any mere chemical tests, as to the sufficiency and effect of which the experts differ and the court is in doubt. Oounsel for defendant contends that, if the product is identical, it makes no difference as to the materials of which it is composed. Without passing upon this contention, I think, in a case of doubt as to the evidence of identity, the difference in starting material may be used as one of the tests in the determination of the doubt. A careful examination of the testimony, and further consideration of arguments of counsel, have satisfied the court that, whatever
WILLIAMS V. BREITLING METAL-WARE MANUF'G CO.
28Ei
may be the general rule, the complainant in this case has affirmatively shown that the alleged anticipating product was not identical with the product of the patent in suit. It is only fair to counsel for defendant to say, however, that, in view of the forcible and exhaustive presentation of his case, I have reached, with considerable hesitation, the condusions of law herein stated as to the scope of said patent; and, while I believe that substantial justice will be promoted by protecting this meritorious invention, and the facts of its commercial success and extensive public use may be considered in its support, I trust that the question as to the correctness of the views herein stated may be reviewed and settled by the appellate court. A decree may be entered for an injunction and an accounting.
WILLIAMS et a!. v. BREITLING METAL-WARE MANUF'G CO. (Circuit Court of Appeals, Seventh Circuit. No. 333. PATENTS-PRELIMINARY INJUNCTION.
October 5, 1896.)
A preliminary injunction should be denied, though substantial similarity between the two devices is practically conceded, where the patent Is attacked for want of novelty and invention. and there has been no adjudication sustaining it, and where there is no showing of public acquiescence, or of defendant's inability to respond in damages.
Appeal from the Circuit Court of the United States for the Northern District of Illinois. This suit is brought to restrain the infringement of letters patent No. 554,044, dated February 4, 1896, issued to the appellant, Edward L. Williams, for a bicycle lamp. ' The patentee states, in his specification, that the object of his invention Is "to produce a serviceable and compact bicycle lamp from materials which are easily workable and adapted to be economically wrought into such forms as to secure great strength as well as lightness, and provide suitable spaces for the lamp accessories, such as the reflector and colored glasses." He states that, in carrying out his invention, "1 make the body of the lamp or lantern globular in form, by spinning such body from a single piece of sheet metal. This globular body is provided with circular openings in three of its sides, to one of which is titted a perforated base ring, affording ventilation at the bottom, and haVing a slitted and corrugated flange, providing spring tongues for attaching the oil reservoir and wick tUbe. To the top opening is fitted the dome, also adapted for ventilation, and to the side opening is fitted a hinged door carrying the front lens or bull's-eye. All of the parts above mentioned are made of sheet metal and spun into form. The lamp is provided with the usual or suitable means for attaching it to a bicycle, and is adapted to burn any illuminating fluid." The claims of the patent are as follows: "(1) A bicycle lamp having its body or flame chamber composed of a singie sheet of metal, wrought into hollow spherieal form, and prOVided with openings in its top and bottom for the attachment of the ventilator dome and burner, respectively, and having, also, an opening in its front of less diameter than that of the body, and a glass fitted to said opening, a burner arranged in the vertical axis of the flame chamber, air-inlet openings, below the flame, and the interior of the flame chamber having curved surfaces only, over which the air currents may pass without deflection upon the flame, SUbstantially as described. (2) A bicycle lamp having a sheet-metal body, of spherical form, provided with a circular opening in its bottom, a ventilating ring