Briggs v. United Shoe Machinery Co., 239 U.S. 48 (1915)

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Briggs v. United Shoe Machinery Company


No. 638


Submitted October 12, 1915
Decided November 1, 1915
239 U.S. 48

APPEAL FROM THE DISTRICT COURT OF THE UNITED STATES
FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK

Syllabus

A suit for royalties reserved upon the sale of a patent right is not a suit arising under the patent laws, and the district court does not have jurisdiction on that ground.

The bill in this case does not present a case in equity within §§ 4915 or 4918, Rev.Stat.

The general powers of the federal courts when sitting as courts of equity can only be exerted in cases otherwise within the jurisdiction of those courts as defined by Congress.

Only the United States can maintain a bill for the annulment of a patent on the ground of its procurement by fraud.

The facts, which involve the jurisdiction of the district court of the United States in cases arising under the patent laws, are stated in the opinion.