American Well Works Company v. Layne & Bowler Company

A suit for damages to business caused by a threat to sue under the patent law is not in itself a suit under the patent law, of which the state court cannot take jurisdiction.

Whether a wrong is committed by one making statements to effect that an article sold by another infringes the former's patent depends upon the law of the State where the act is done and not upon the patent law of the United States; and, in this case held that the state court had jurisdiction of a suit for libel or slander based on such statements.

facts, which involve the jurisdiction of the District Court, are stated in the opinion.

Mr. David A. Gates, for plaintiff in error, submitted.

Mr. Paul Synnestvedt, with whom Mr. J. M. Moore and Mr. Coke K. Burns were on the brief, for defendants in error.