Kuyper v. Witteman

23 F. 871, 1885 U.S. App. LEXIS 2004

Opinion

Wallace, J.

The demurrer in this case is without merits. The complainants, upon the facts shown in the bill of complaint, have a good title to their trade-mark, and a case for its protection irrespective of their statutory rights under the, registration in the patent-office. As the necessary diversity of citizenship exists between the parties, they are entitled to invoke the jurisdiction of this court.

Opon the allegations of the bill the defendants are actively engaged in assisting third persons to use the complainants’ trade-mark in violation of their fights. The mere act of printing and selling labels in imitation of the complainants’ might be innocent, and, without evi dence of an illicit purpose, would not be a violation of the complainants’ rights. It is otherwise, however, when this is done with the obvious purpose of enabling others by the use of the labels to palm off their goods upon the public as the goods of the complainants.

The demurrer is overruled, with costs. Defendants may answer upon payment of costs.