Colt v. Massachusetts Arms Company

Colt v. Massachusetts Arms Company

Following the Mexican war, Colt’s revolver became immensely popular-and that meant copiers. To fend them off, Colt not only sued his competitors but also published the following notice:
[box type=”note” size=”large” style=”rounded” border=”full”]New York Daily Times

COLT’S PISTOLS

-NOTICE!-

Dealers in Fire Arms are hereby notified that imitations of COLT’S ARMS, manufactured in Europe, and closely resembling the genuine are now imported into the United States for sale. As the sale of any such arms would be an infringement of Col. Colt’s patent, and as the spurious arms are offered for genuine Colt’s pistols, this notice is given to put dealers and purchasers on their guard.

Any person found importing or selling such arms, or any others, made in violation of Col. Colt’s patent, will be prosecuted.

SAMUEL COLT New York, Feb. 15, 1853.[/box]