"The Steam Engine : Hon. William H. Seward's Argument in the Circuit Court of the U. States, at Cooperstown, New York, on the Third Day of August, 1853"

Frederick Sickels patented a drop cut-off valve for steam engines in 1842. The holders of Sickels's patent sued George Corliss and other defendants in the mid-1800s, claiming Corliss's improvements in steam engine design -- based on a valve gear patented by Corliss in 1849 -- infringed on their patent. Powerful lawyers clashed in the U.S. Circuit Courts. Corliss's claim eventually won out.