Walsh v. Schubiner
Walsh v. Schubiner
Opinion of the Court
On September 3, 1919, the defendant Schubiner entered into an agreement with the Auto Collapsible Rim Manufacturing Company, of Illinois, whereby he acquired the sole and exclusive right to “make, use and vend and control” a certain invention for converting rims for automobiles into collapsible ones (for which letters patent had been theretofore secured) in the States of Michigan, Ohio and New York. On November 20, 1919, Schubiner entered into a contract with Howard Hatch, Robert A. Keele and George Zangelin, whereby he leased to them certain machinery
The claim, as set forth in plaintiffs declaration, is, first, that he was induced to make the purchase of the second one-third interest in reliance upon the false and fraudulent representations of the defendant Schubiner, and, second, that Schubiner and Manning fraudulently conspired together to secure the transfer by him of his interest in the lease to Manning. Before the trial in the circuit, plaintiff executed a release to Manning in consideration of the payment of $400.
The motion of defendant Schubiner for a directed verdict was reserved under the Empson act (3 Comp. Laws 1915, § 14568). The plaintiff had verdict for $600. Afterwards, defendant’s motion for judgment non obstante veredicto was granted and a judgment entered for him. In granting such motion, the’trial court filed an opinion in which the claims of the plaintiff as set forth in his declaration and the testimony tending to support such claims are reviewed at length. With the conclusion reached by him we agree. The record discloses no actionable misrepresentation to plaintiff by the defendant Schubiner. No matter whether or not Schubiner owned the patent, he had the right to grant the privilege secured to the lessees in the lease. Plaintiff’s rights thereunder were in no way interfered with until he disposed of them to Manning. As found by the trial court, there is no sufficient evidence to support the charge of conspiracy. Schubiner was doubtless anxious that Manning should succeed in the organization of a company which would enable him to carry out his agreement to purchase. But plaintiff’s proofs fall far short of showing a design or intent on Schubiner’s part to join with Man
The judgment is affirmed.
Case-law data current through December 31, 2025. Source: CourtListener bulk data.