Keene Syndicate v. Wichita Gas, Electric Light & Power Co.

Citations

• 69 Kan. 284
• 76 P. 834
• 67 L.R.A. 61
• 1904 Kan. LEXIS 245

Syllabus

<p>SYLLABUS BY THE COURT.</p> <p>Contracts—Restraint of Trade—Lease Held Contrary to Public Policy and Void. A corporation engaged in the business of generating and furnishing electricity for public and private use leased to a rival corporation in the city, for a period of ten years, machinery and appliances used in generating electricity, obligating itself by the provisions of the lease not to engage in 'the business of furnishing electric light and power to public or private consumers in the city during that period, and not to dispose of any of the property, machinery or appliances retained by it, for producing or generating in that city electric light and power. Held, that the lease is in contravention of public policy, and that no action to recover rents can be maintained thereon .by the lessor or its assignee.</p>