[LB057363], Letter from Thomas Alva Edison to Renshaw Kekewich & Co, May 11th, 1893
https://edisondigital.rutgers.edu/document/LB057363
Transcription
May 11, 1893. Messrs. Renshaw, Kekewich & Co., No. 2 Suffolk Lane, Cannon St., London, E. C., England. Dear Sirs:- I enclose herewith two circulars concerning the phonograph which have been issued by Messrs. J. Lewis Young and W. E. Young, and beg to request that you will examine these with the view of preventing what appears to me to be an improper use of my name. In order that you may understand the situation permit me to explain that several months ago the phonograph rights in Great Britain were purchased by the Edison-Bell Phonograph Corporation, Limited, of London. Shortly after this purchase, Mr. W. E. Young, who at one time was an agent of The North Am. Phonograph Co. in Canada, proceeded to London with a number of phonographs purchased in the United States and attempted to establish an independent business. Through the medium of The North American Phonograph Company steps have been taken to cut off this supply of instruments and so prevent a gross injustice being done towards the English Company. The Messrs. Young have done everything in their power to discredit the English corporation, and their statements concerning the business in America are simply libels. Mr. J. Louis Young's address is No. [69?] Fore St., London, E. C., and I wish you would kindly address a letter to him to the effect that you have been instructed by me to take all steps necessary to prevent the improper use of my name, as well as that of The North American Phonograph Co. The smaller circular of the two enclosed is headed "North American Phonograph Office," the evident intent being to convey the impression that a branch of The North American Company has been established in London. This is an absolutely unauthorized use of the name of The North Am. Phonograph Co., and I feel confident that the laws of your country will provide relief against such gross misrepresentation. Should you require any further information in regard to the English Company, please communicate with Messrs. Bircham & Co., 50 Old Broad St., London, E. C. Yours very truly, Thos A Edison