Parker v. Corbin

18 F. Cas. 1122, 4 McLean 462

Opinion

OPINION OF

THE COURT.

This is an action for the infringement of a patent, by the construction of a water wheel for a saw mill, using the right which exclusively belonged to the plaintiff. The defendant suffered a default, and the jury were sworn to inquire of the damages, etc. The counsel prayed the court to instruct the jury that the plaintiff was entitled to recover as a part of the damages the counsel fees paid by the plaintiff. The court declined giving the instruction positively, but said to the jury, the damages were to be assessed by them in the exercise of. their judgment, from the evidence. -That where the act complained of had been done without a knowledge of the plaintiff’s right, and under such circumstances as to authorize the jury to infer that the defendant was not aware that lie was violating the rights of any one, the damages should be so graduated as to give nothing more than to compensate the Injury done to the plaintiff. But where the circumstances were of a somewhat aggravated character, what was sometimes called in the law vindictive damages might be given, which would include counsel fees, and something more by way of example to deter others from doing the same thing. Verdict for plaintiff.