Graham v. John Deere (KyleR)

Overview

• decided by U.S. Supreme Court in 1966
• Two patent-infringement claims being debated:
  • No. 11: "Clamp for vibrating shank plows"
    • 1955 - ruled valid by Fifth Circuit
      • the combination produces an old result in a cheaper, more effective way
    • 1964 - ruled invalid by Eight Circuit
      • the combination provides no new result
    • 1966 - ruled invalid by Supreme Court
      • but neither Circuit applied the correct test

• • No. 37 and No. 43: a built-in plastic finger sprayer with a "hold-down" cap for insecticide dispensing.
    • ruled valid by District Court and Court of Appeals