The patented case design sold by Mr. Colby was originally introduced by the firm of Colby & Johnson. After this partnership was dissolved in 1885, Colby branched out on his own.

In 1889, advertisements began to appear promoting the patented case as the "one joint cup case." It is unclear whether Bates & Bacon were manufacturing their "Gem" cases using this patent design by this point or not. As a result of a partnership or licensing at some point, Bates & Bacon were granted authorization to utilize Colby's patent. Later, the design was licensed to the Fahys Watch Case Company and utilized on their "Junior" case style.

In the 1890s, a patent granted to Colby for a pendant winding stem and later assigned became the subject of a heated legal battle. In 1896, the courts declared the patent was invalid and allowed the Dueber Watch Case Mfg. Co. to utilize the patent.

As evidenced by his numerous patents, Colby was a successful inventor and licensor. In 1901, the Dubois Watch Case Company licensed Colby's patented dust-proof case (US Patent #518712). These cases were advertised extensively by the Dubois company.

Caleb C. Colby died in 1911.