United States v. United Shoe Machinery Co. of New Jersey

Citations

• 247 U.S. 32
• 38 S. Ct. 473
• 62 L. Ed. 968
• 1918 U.S. LEXIS 1956

Syllabus

<p>Where the evidence is strongly conflicting, especial weight attaches to the findings of a trial court whose judges saw and heard the witnesses.</p> <p>Applying t'his principle, the court holds, with the court below, that the ■ .evidence does hot sustain the charges of unlawful restraint of in- : terstate commerce in shoe machinery,, and monoply thereof, in the formation and conduct of the United Shoe Machinery Company,. ’.</p> <p>In determining whether a combination restrains interstate commerce injuriously to the public, the foremost inquiry is whether the interests brought together-were competitive.</p> <p>Where, machines were patented .and,'though used collectively in the making of a single product, were so far distinct in their functions. . that they, were practically noncompetitive, a common control, over ■ • their-manufacture and use; held not obnoxious to the Anti-Trust Act.</p> <p>Statements in notices to .shareholders and in an agency contract, made.’ . by participants in a combination, explaining its object, held not to establish unlawful intent, in view of the evidence of what was done, publicity of the statements'when made, lapse'óf time and inaction of the Government. ' ,</p> <p>Lapse of time, changes of condition due to it and to the progress of the art, the development’ of high .industrial efficiency,, difficulty or impossibility of restoring-antecedent conditions and injurious effects that would follow the attempt' tb-grant-the relief prayed, are matters to be considered in’ determining from' conflicting evidence whether a combination should be dissolved.</p> <p>Unconnected purchases-pf certain businesses with patent rights, made by.the Company after its formation, are held, on conflicting.evidence, not to have been intended, nor to' have had the effect, of restraining competition illegally or to have brought it obnoxious power. Generally, one has the right to -purchase patents for the protection or improvement of his own inventions and business,