De Forest Radio Tel. Co. v. United States, 273 U.S. 236 (1927)

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De Forest Radio Telephone Company v. United States


No. 142


Argued January 20, 1927
Decided February 21, 1927
273 U.S. 236

APPEAL FROM THE COURT OF CLAIMS

Syllabus

A license to make and use a patented article does not depend on formal language, and, as a defense to a subsequent suit for infringement, a license may be inferred from the patent owner’s words and acts indicative of his consent, with a reservation of his right to compensation. P. 241.

60 Ct.Cls. 1034 affirmed.

Appeal from a judgment of the Court of Claims dismissing the petition in a suit to recover damages for alleged unlawful use of patented articles by the United States.