United States v. Bethlehem Steel Co., 258 U.S. 321 (1922)

Please note: this case begins in mid-page. It therefore shares a citation with the last page of the previous case. If you are attempting to follow a link to the last page of 258 U.S. 314, click here.

United States v. Bethlehem Steel Company


No. 127


Argued March 16, 1922
Decided April 10, 1922
258 U.S. 321

APPEAL FROM THE COURT OF CLAIMS

Syllabus

1. A contract of the United States to pay for its use of a patented invention is to be implied, rather than a tortious appropriation by the officers acting for the government. P. 326.

2. When the government uses a patented invention with the permission of the owner and does not repudiate his title, an implied contract to pay reasonable compensation for the use arises. P. 327.

53 Ct.Clms. 348 affirmed.

Appeal by the United States from a judgment sustaining a claim against it.