Torrent v. Rodgers

39 Mich. 85 | Mich. | 1878

Campbell, C. J.

The bill in this case, stated briefly, sets up the assignment by Esau Tarrent to Bodgers of a certain patent, and a procurement of a re-issue to Bodgers as such assignee. It avers that the consideration of the assignment was an agreement by Bodgers to make enough machines to supply the American market, and pay a royalty of $40 on each one sold, — to endeavor to get the machine largely circulated, and to report all sales. It also avers that when it was proposed to obtain the re-issue it was further agreed that Rodgers should prosecute past and future infringers and get royalties from infringers, and increase the business so as to manufacture enough to supply the United States’ demand, and license others to manufacture machines.

It then avers that persons who had before infringed ceased to do so after re-issue, and others sought to get license to manufacture which Rodgers refused, and that he has neglected to manufacture in many cases when he could have done 'so.

That in December, 1875, Esau Tarrent sold out his rights to complainant.

That Rodgers has compromised with various persons before and since the assignment to a large amount not known, and has not’paid over the royalty; that infringements are now going on which he will not prosecute; that he has not reported sales; that he refuses to use reasonable means to introduce and manufacture the machines.

The prayer of the bill (which waives an answer under, oath) is that he account for sales and settlements; that the assignment and re-issue be declared void as to the interests of Esau Tarrent and complainant, and Rodgers decreed to re-assign the same, or that.he be decreed to authorize complainant to prosecute, compromise or settle with infringers, or assign the patent to complainant.

This bill was demurred to and the demurrer sustained for uncertainty and some other defects.

We think the demurrer was properly sustained. The agreement, set forth is contradictory as well as vague, and is not of such a nature that any court could grant specific performance. The grievances so far as appears, are susceptible of a legal remedy, and most of them of no other. An answer under oath being waived no ground of relief can be set up which rests merely on the necessity of a discovery. In the absence of any argument on behalf of the defendant, we do not deem it profitable to extend our remarks upon the various defects. The bill contains nothing whatever with reasonable certainty.

The decree must be affirmed with costs.

The other Justices concurred.