This case concerned the basic sound recording and reproducing patents of Edison, Chichester A. Bell, and Charles S. Tainter. The record of an earlier case contesting these patents, American Graphophone Company v. Edison Phonograph Works, was entered into evidence. This earlier case contains testimony by Edison and his assistants regarding work on the phonograph in 1877-78 and 1886-88. Legal issues were also raised regarding arrangements made between the American Graphophone Co., the Edison Phonograph Works, and Jesse Lippincott's North American Phonograph Co. The following items have been selected:
The plea to the amended bill of complaint can be found in New York Phonograph Co. v. National Phonograph Co., page 852. Courtesy of Thomas Edison National Historical Park.