The Blanchard v.
Putnam case was a patent infringement lawsuit decided by the U.S.
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Supreme Court in 1869.
The case involved a dispute over the patent rights to an invention for turning irregular-shaped wood into symmetrical forms, known as the "Blanchard lathe."
The key issue was whether the defendant, Putnam, could introduce evidence of prior invention or knowledge of the patented technology as a defense against infringement.
The 15th section of the U.S.
Patent Act required defendants to provide notice of any such prior invention or knowledge as part of their defense.
In this case, Putnam's witnesses testified about prior invention and use of the patented technology, but he had not provided the required notice.
The Supreme Court ruled that Putnam's evidence of prior invention should have been excluded since he failed to comply with the notice requirement in the Patent Act.
The Court emphasized that strict compliance with the notice provision was necessary to prevent unfair surprises and ensure a fair trial.
This case helped clarify the procedural requirements for asserting a defense of prior invention in a patent infringement lawsuit.
The decision overturned a previous lower court ruling that had allowed Putnam to introduce the evidence of prior invention without the required notice.
The Blanchard v.
Putnam case was an important precedent establishing the importance of following proper procedures in patent litigation.
The ruling helped ensure patent holders had a fair opportunity to defend their rights against claims of prior invention.
The case illustrates how the Supreme Court played a key role in shaping patent law in the 19th century as the industrial economy was rapidly evolving.