Morse faced numerous lawsuits from individuals and companies who attempted to infringe on his telegraph patent. He spent considerable time and resources defending his intellectual property rights.

The U.S. Supreme Court upheld Morse's telegraph patent in 1854, affirming his right to control and profit from his invention. This landmark decision significantly strengthened intellectual property law in the United States.

Morse received international recognition and awards for his invention, including medals and honors from European governments. His telegraph became a global standard for communication.

Morse gained considerable wealth from his telegraph patent and used his fortune to support various philanthropic causes, including education, the arts, and missionary work.