2017 February-March Memorabilia Auction
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/12/2017
1913 Haskell Golf Ball Company Legal Brief Belonging to Mrs. Haskell - Jeff Ellis Collection
Haskell Golf Ball Company(Complainant) v. The Sporting Goods Sales Company(Defendant)
This brief measures 6 3/4" x 10 1/2"
Here we have the defendant's brief in the case of Haskell Golf Ball Company vs. The Sporting Goods Sales Company. This lawsuit states the defendant violated the patent for the Haskell golf ball. Haskell was granted a patent in 1899 for a golf ball made by wrapping rubber thread around a solid rubber core. This ball allowed golfers greater control as well as driving distance.
Founded in 1912, The Sporting Goods Company started producing Zodiac golf balls that featured a core made of a combination of balata gum (gutta) and para rubber, also wrapped with rubber thread. TSGSC claimed they had not infringed on the patent because the shell was drastically less rigid than that of the Haskell ball. The court found that while the shell was different, it served the same purpose and therefore violated the patent.
"I must hold the patent valid, not anticipated, and infringed by the defendant. A decree may be entered accordingly."
This is brief would add nicely to any vintage golf collection. The brief itself is in excellent condition given it is over a century old, showing some dog-earing to the bottom right corner, hand writing on the top right corner says the copy is Mrs. Haskell’s, and slight separation of the cover page. Please refer to photographs.
Please note: This auction will end at 7:00pm EST on Sunday, March 12th with EXTENDED BIDDING to follow. All items in the auction will remain open until no items have received a bid within a 15 minute time period. All lots are free to be bid on until extended bidding has ended
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