Case Name: WARNER BROS. CO. v. WARREN-FEATHERBONE CO. (three cases)
Court: United States Circuit Court for the Southern District of New York
Jurisdiction: United States
Decision Date: 1899-09-05
Citations: 97 F. 604
Docket Number: 
Parties: WARNER BROS. CO. v. WARREN-FEATHERBONE CO. (three cases).
Judges: 
Reporter: Federal Reporter
Volume: 97
Pages: 604–604

Head Matter:
WARNER BROS. CO. v. WARREN-FEATHERBONE CO. (three cases).
(Circuit Court, S. D. New York.
September 5, 1899.)
Patents — Suit for Infringement — Demurrer to Bill.
Where the allegations of a bill for infringement of a patent are good, and the patent is not made a part of the bill, except by reference to it “to be produced,” the sufficiency of such allegations cannot be determined on demurrer.
These are three suits for infringement of patents. Heard on demurrers to the bills.
Dickerson & Brown, for plaintiff.
Sullivan & Cromwell, for defendant.
As to pleading in patent infringement suits, see note to Caldwell v. Powell, 19 C. C. A. 595.

Opinion:
WHEELER, District Judge.
The bills in these eases are each in the usual form for the infringement of a patent, but the patent is not annexed to or in any way made a part of the bill. The issue of the patent is well stated for the new and useful invention mentioned, as by a certified copy "to be produced will more fully appear." The demurrers are to such parts of the bill as relate to particular claims specified by their respective number's. The bills would be good if they should be maintained by proof, and they would be maintained in this respect if the patents, when produced, should be valid. When they are produced, they will be evidence in support of the bills, but not parts of the bill. The bills appear to be sufficient, although the-patents may not, when produced, be sufficient to maintain them. As the bills are drawn, the question as to the validity of the patents upon their face does not yet arise, and cannot now properly be considered. It is merely a moot question in the cases. Demurrers overruled, defendants to answer by October rule day. '