Streat v. Finch
Streat v. Finch
Opinion of the Court
(orally). With respect to the first point, it seems to be conceded that the demurrer is well taken, that an allegation of marking or of giving notice that the article was patented was a necessary one and that the complaint has no such allegation. The- first ground of demurrer is that the complaint does not state facts sufficient to constitute a cause of action. It is frequently supplemented by a more particular statement of the objection; but I think it has been held by the courts of this state, and perhaps of all the Code states, that the statement of the general ground that the pleading does not state sufficient facts is enough. So the demurrer will have to be sustained upon that ground. But, as that is a matter which' may be cured by amendment, if the facts warrant, if the demurrer is sustained on that ground only, there will be leave to amend granted.
The other ground is a more serious óne. I understand it to be not disputed that the patent itself may be considered upon this demurrer. In that case the court must consider as to whether the patent upon its face is valid, or, rather, whether upon its face it appears to be void; because I agree with counsel for the plaintiff that all presumptions must be ruled upon a demurrer of this kind in favor of sustaining the patent, the mere fact of its having been issued giving rise to a presumption of its usefulness and validity and that it does constitute invention. Nevertheless, if it is entirely apparent, after giving the allegations the benefit of such presumptions, that it does not disclose a patentable invention, I suppose it should be so decided upon a demurrer of this kind.
I am inclined to think that this demurrer should be sustained, and the bill dismissed, for the reason that it appears upon the face of the complaint that the patent is void for want of invention.
Case-law data current through December 31, 2025. Source: CourtListener bulk data.