Globe Newspaper Co. v. Walker

Citations

• 210 U.S. 356
• 28 S. Ct. 726
• 52 L. Ed. 1096
• 1908 U.S. LEXIS 1515

Syllabus

<p>The right of an author in'the United States to multiply copies of his works after publication is the creation of a new right by Federal statute under constitutional authority and not a continuation of a common-law right. Wheaton v. Peters, 8 Pet. 590.</p> <p>While a general liability or right created by statute without a remedy may be enforced by an appropriate common-law action, when a special remedy ■is coupled therewith that remedy is exclusive. Pollard v. Bailey, 20 Wall. 520.</p> <p>Although remedies given by a statute to protect property in copyright may be inadequate for the purpose intended, the courts cannot enlarge the remedy. Congress alone has power so to do by amending the statute.</p> <p>Congress having by §§ 4965-4970, Rev. Stat., provided a remedy for those whose copyrights in maps are infringed, a civil action at common law for .money damages cannot be maintained against the infringers.</p> <p>140 Fed. Rep. 305, reversed.</p>