Document: 335 U.S. 291 69 S.Ct. 73 93 L.Ed. 12 MANDEL BROS., Inc.v.WALLACE. No. 16. Argued Oct. 14, 1948. Decided Nov. 8, Mr. Leonard S. Lyon, of Los Angeles, Cal., for petitioner. Charles J. Merriam, Chicago, Ill., respondent. Justice BLACK delivered the opinion Court. 1 The respondent, owner Wallace and Hand patent 2,236,387, filed a complaint against this petitioner infringement claims to 6, 8 13, 15 District Court held invalid want patentable invention dismissed complaint. 67 F.Supp. 814. United States Appeals Seventh Circuit valid reversed. 164 F.2d 861. Second had previously affirmed district court's invalidation same patent. v. F. W. Woolworth Co., D.C., 45 465; Id., 2 Cir., 133 763. To resolve conflict we granted certiorari. is an 'improved' cosmetic preparation retard or inhibit perspiration. Prior application (1938), many antiperspirants were on market containing acid salts metal, usually aluminum chloride sulfate. acidity produced by these acid-reacting astringent which retards But, as stated in specifications, sometimes irritates skin also rots clothing may adhere, particularly when that heated ironing. Thus old qualities desirable because essential their effectiveness retarding perspiration; other hand, irritating cloth corroding obviously undesirable. This was problem posed application. 3 specifications asserted found though standard alkalies would neutralize thus reduce consequent irritation corrosion, neutralizing astringency check claimed discovery adding acid-salts cosmetics certain types reactive amino chemical group, urea. addition, patentees asserted, results improved compound checks perspiration but neither nor corrodes clothing. 4 addition urea older preparations greatly reduced whatever likelihood there been irritate skin1 corrode garments. It first persons use corrosion inhibiting agent antiperspirant. But prior patentees' alleged anticorrosive already matter public knowledge, it used inhibitor compounds than antiperspirants. As consequence findings, invalid. case supra, reason. 5 Long patent, generally recognized field react with acids, bases, produce new substances. Urea general wherever stabilizations. And respondent concedes before made commonly known, at least chemists, acids manner corrosiveness. These facts are clear record, opinions four courts considered discussions patents relied here. 6 (Schu pphaus, 514,838, Koch 2,011,292) suggested stabilizer decomposition combinations into deleterious acidic be assumed standing alone not have taught experiment solve problem. They do, however, show state art point possibility using unwanted substances salts. Indeed, dealt Missbach, 2,069,711, proposed protect clothes from effects dry cleaning fluids prevent injury due brought about reactions carbon tetrachloride. He his provided 'an effective inhibitor.' 7 Shipp 2,174,534 pointed out 'certain uses sulfuric textiles so advantageous endeavors treat obtain desired avoid undesirable effects.' undersirable result wanted eliminate 'marked degrading disintegrating effect cellulose fibers' 'strong acid.' therefore 'capable normal action strong upon cellulose.' 'inhibiting' materials such amide amine * *.' agents here groups include Respondent contends irrelevant. urges merely whereas respondent's stops completely. points salt involved argues teachings led chemist skilled undertake eventuated success patentees. takes position even plain did retain full natural conclusion chemist, he argues, failure if combined not. result. 'paradoxical' one, unpredictable chemist. Consequently, says, rose level invention. 9 think plainly sufficient demonstrate any searching should make simple knew stabilizing Moreover, successfully employed effect. surprising after experimenting various effort find astringency, promptly turned Their immediate. 10 (133 764): '* skillful experiments laboratory, cases where principles investigations well achievement end requires routine work rather imagination, do involve invention.' established law dispose except taken remote unrelated problems art. For reason court bound knowledge disclosed patents. almost writing clean sheet. Accordingly obtained 11 In error. out, store 1938 one working naturally spontaneously tried All utilize preparation, publicly available corrosion. step advance past too short amount applied process inhibition use. Dow Chemical Co. Halliburton Oil Well Cementing 324 320, 327, 65 647, 650, 89 973. Reversed. 13 DOUGLAS reverse judgment authority Funk Bros. Seed Kalo Inoculant 333 127, 131, 68 440, 442, decided decision case. Petitioner evidence inadequate resulted substantial like inadequacy 'the attack sensitive individuals' 'a residue remained irritated skin.'

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