This case arose out of the complicated business and legal arrangements resulting from the formation by Jesse Lippincott of the North American Phonograph Co., his purchase of rights to Edison's phonograph patents, and the license of these to local phonograph companies. The New York Phonograph Co. was successor to one of these local companies and this suit, filed in 1901, involved that company's claims against Edison and the National Phonograph Co. as successors to the North American Phonograph Co. Edison and the National Phonograph Co. claimed that they were not liable for agreements entered into by Lippincott's company. The testimony and exhibits also concern the sale to Edison of North American's assets by receiver John R. Hardin. The transcript of this case on appeal, along with two briefs for the National Phonograph Co., have been selected. The documents appear in the following order:
