[D8049ZAQ], Letter from Edward Hibberd Johnson to Thomas Alva Edison, February 19th, 1880
https://edisondigital.rutgers.edu/document/D8049ZAQ
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- Title
- [D8049ZAQ], Letter from Edward Hibberd Johnson to Thomas Alva Edison, February 19th, 1880
- Editor's Notes
- [Long letter] Finds affairs considerably changed on his return to London. Practical affairs still "swimming"--lots of subscribers. Disclaimer allowed, and patent matters move slowly but surely. Lawyers say all carbon transmitters (Bell) infringe our pat. Problem is that Bell Co has reorganized with large sums new capital, and has given us cold shoulder, withdrawing offer of amalgamation and pulling out of joint defense against PO; "they say they care nothing for patents now--they have got the money" to fight for years. Are establishing themselves in supreme commercial position, as in US. Court remedies slow. Principals discuss reogranizing & renegotiating contract with you; can't keep making royalty payments. No one will have anything to do with stock jobbing; Gouraud will be alone if he goes into it. Expressed to the Co you wish that those who have spent money should control Co. Imperative to raise large capital immy to prevent Co from being overwhelmed. You "must make important and valuable concessions." Waterhouse proposes you waive share of gross receipts. Details of proposed new agreement with TAE. Amalgamation certain; must prepare to get most favorable terms. Gouraud will likely try to spoil this. Prompt action needed, so I commit you to the "path of honour & liberality--you of course see that it affects my pocket equally with yours." Some Glasgow biz. Too busy even to unpack lamps.
- Author
- Johnson, Edward Hibberd
- Recipient
- Edison, Thomas Alva
- Mentioned
- United Telephone Co Ltd
- Telephone Co Ltd
- Edison Telephone Co of Glasgow Ltd
- Blake, Francis, Jr
- Tyndall, John
- Bouverie, Edward Pleydell
- Waterhouse, Theodore
- Webster, Richard Everard
- Gouraud, George Edward
- Thomson, William, (Lord Kelvin)
- Date
- 1880-02-19
- Type
- Letter
- Subject
- Competition and market structure
- Patent interference
- Patent assignments, licenses, and royalties
- Folder ID
- D8049-F
- Microfilm ID
- 56:417
- Document ID
- D8049ZAQ
- Publisher
- Thomas A. Edison Papers, School of Arts and Sciences, Rutgers University
- Has Version
- Archive.org Viewer, Microfilm Series Reel 56