Chapter 141 James Russell Interview

A day later, in Pearl Street Station New York. James Russell's office was filled with journalists from different media companies. They stood in front of his desk, with notes and pencils ready to scribble down his words for publications.

"So, Mr. Russell. May I ask why you filed a lawsuit against the Axelsen & Nielsen Electric Manufacturing and Distribution Company?"

"The reason why I filed a lawsuit against them is simple, gentlemen. They copied my ideas, the electric distribution system, and the light bulbs. They made a slight change to the design and called it their own. It's a shameless move."

"But, according to our reports in Pittsburg, the Axelsen & Nielsen Electric Company said that they are not using direct current, which is the system you are using. They are using alternating currents. So to help us understand the issue, may we ask what is the difference between your direct current and their alternating current?"

"Direct current is akin to water flowing through a pipe while alternating current is like water flowing back and forth in a pipe. Direct current moves in one direction, whereas alternating current shifts direction periodically. The issue here is not the type of current that Axelsen & Nielsen Electric Manufacturing and Distribution Company uses; rather, it's that they are employing my original design for electric distribution and light bulbs without my consent."

The journalists nodded, jotting down notes as James Russell spoke.

"Mr. Russell, if I may ask, what do you intend to gain from this lawsuit?"

"I intend to protect my intellectual property and ensure that companies like Axelsen & Nielsen Electric Company cannot simply steal my ideas for their own gain. If they want to use my design, they must pay for it, and I will not hesitate to take legal action to enforce that."

Another journalist raised his hand, "Mr. Russell, how do you plan to prove that they copied your design?"

"I have documentation and patents that prove my ownership of the design. In fact, I have filed patents for my electric distribution system and light bulbs in multiple countries. It's clear that Axelsen & Nielsen Electric Company has infringed on my intellectual property rights, and I will use all legal means to protect them," James replied confidently.

Another journalist chimed in, "Mr. Russell if the court rules in your favor, do you think this will set a precedent for future cases involving intellectual property rights?"

"Absolutely. This case is not just about me and my company, but about protecting the rights of all inventors and creators. Intellectual property is crucial for innovation and progress, and it's essential that it's respected and protected," James answered, with a firm tone in his voice.

"Mr. Russell, if I may interject, I have visited Scranton to see in person what their light bulbs look like. And I must say, they are different in design. They glow brighter than yours, longer than yours, and cheaper than yours. This is a huge improvement on the design so how come you are claiming that they copied your design?" another journalist interrupted, with a skeptical tone in his voice.

James took a deep breath and leaned forward in his chair, ready to address the question.

"I appreciate your interest in the matter, and I have said this before. I must clarify that Axelsen & Nielsen Electric Company did not create a new design. They may have made some improvements to the bulbs, but the basic concept and structure of the bulb are the same as my patented design. They have essentially taken my idea and made minor adjustments to it. That's why I am taking legal action, to protect my intellectual property rights. We are going back in circles, everyone, come on and ask some new questions."

"Actually there was a case between Axelsen & Nielsen Air Brake Company and New York Air Brake Company. The case was about infringement and it plays out exactly like yours. The New York Air Brake Company proved to be infringing their intellectual property and won."

"Then that means the conclusion will be the same here, the judge is going to rule in my favor because they made slight improvements," James said confidently.

"Well, that would be all, Mr. Russell. And thank you for the presents you gave to us," the journalist said, holding up the light bulb with a ribbon tied on the corkscrew.

James smiled politely as the journalists began to file out of his office. But as they were about to leave the office, a thought popped up inside his head.

"Have I told you already that the alternating current system they are using is lethal?"

His words piqued the curiosity of the journalist and began turning around and filling the room again.

"If you touch a wire connected to the alternating current, well, you become current."

"What do you mean by that, Mr. Russell?"

"Well, you die," Russell announced and the expression of the journalist turned grim.

James observed the stunned and horrified expressions on the faces of the journalists seated before him, and he knew that he had their undivided attention. He cleared his throat and proceeded.

"As you can see, alternating current involves the voltage alternating between positive and negative at a high frequency of approximately 30 to 40 times per second. This characteristic makes it far more hazardous than direct current, which flows in one direction and at a lower voltage. If a person comes into contact with an alternating current source, the current can pass through the body, causing involuntary muscle contractions, and leading to death. In my direct current system, even if you touch the wire the muscles in your hand won't contract, therefore it will be repelled. Also, it bears the name of Russell so it's safe."

The journalist chuckled at his remark about the safety of his direct current system. James continued.

"But all joking aside, this is a serious matter. You know, I don't think I have told you yet but the United States Government has been trying to make me build a weapon. But I will never use this brain to hurt people. And how ironic it is when the Axelsen and Nielsen Company took the offer of the governments and is now making weapons that are being used in the war raging in Europe. So, you can see from there that they are never keen about safety, they prioritize profits."

"So you are saying that the Axelsen and Nielsen Company like to hurt people for profit?"

"You know I can't say that," James scoffed softly. "But you can. And that gentleman, you have a narrative. I think that's all for today, thank you for coming here."