Curtiss-Herring flying machine, on ground, Mineola, L.I. 1909 (photo)

August, 1909 also marked the initiation of a long patent war with Glen Hammond Curtis, who earlier that year had formed the Curtis-Herring Company with Augustus Herring and built a successful airplane with a control system that the Wrights felt was an infringement on their patent. Other patent suits followed against foreign aviators and aircraft manufacturers. They were also defendants in two rather frivolous patent litigations brought against them. From 1910 to 1912 the various patent battles dominated the Wright brothers' time, as they were determined to establish their position as the inventors of the airplane and to stop competitors from infringing on their patent. In November, 1909 the Wright Company was incorporated, with Wilbur as president and Orville as one of two vice-presidents.