aro mfg convertible top argued february decided june respondent assignee certain territorial rights combination patent convertible automobiles patent covered combination several unpatented components made claim invention based fabric used using patented combination included cars made general motors pursuant patent license ford motor license period respondent filed infringement suit petitioners without license made sold replacement fabrics fit cars using patented patent owner respondent assignor notified petitioners january petitioners sale fabrics fit ford tops contributory infringement july ford paid patent owner agreed ford dealers customers users released claims infringement patent respect replacement top fabrics patent owner reserved right license manufacture use sale replacement fabrics patent respondent claim contributory infringement upheld district appeals holding reversed ground fabric replacement permissible repair infringing reconstruction direct infringement car owner petitioners contribute remand district dismissed complaint general motors ford cars appeals reinstated judgment respondent respect ford cars holding since ford licensed produce cars petitioners sale replacement fabrics constituted contributory infringement even though replacement merely repair appeals thus concluded previous decision case reversed insofar unlicensed ford cars concerned held previous decision reverse appeals holding applied ford cars persons purchased cars ford infringed patent manufacturing selling likewise infringed using repairing supplier replacement fabrics use infringing repair contributory infringer patent code pp majority view requires knowledge alleged contributory infringer merely component sold especially designed use certain machine combination also combination component designed patented infringing pp knowledge requirement affords petitioners defense respect sales january since notified ford infringement pp petitioners liable contributory infringement respect sales date absent showing remand previous knowledge ford infringement patent owner attempt agreement ford reserve right license future replacement sales invalid since granting right use patented articles impose conditions unpatented replacement parts used articles july ford car owners authority use repair patented hence longer direct infringers hence petitioners sellers replacement fabrics use repair contributory infringers aro mfg convertible top replacement followed pp agreement ford eliminate petitioners liability sales prior july although contributory infringer species rule release one necessarily released another applied contributory infringement pp guidance district four justices express following views effect agreement july limits damages respondent may recover preagreement infringement cases instances liability payment one diminishes amount may recovered another damages loss patent owner recoverable infringement infringer profits pp respondent damages measured royalty petitioners sales replacement fabrics since respondent never licensed sales involved unpatented materials used mere repair patented articles pp payment ford patent owner equivalent royalties patent owner received licensing ford first instance petitioners liable nominal damages pp charles hicken argued cause petitioners briefs david wolf elliott pollock argued cause filed brief respondent justice brennan delivered opinion respondent convertible top replacement ctr acquired assignment automobile body research corporation ab rights territory massachusetts patent known patent combination patent covering automobile convertibles structures embodying patented combination included original equipment models convertibles manufactured general motors corporation ford motor company included general motors cars authority license granted general motors ab ford however license period authority whatever patent july entered agreement discussed later ab ford manufacture sale automobiles question therefore infringed patent petitioner aro manufacturing aro licensed patent produces fabric components designed replacements fabric portions convertible tops unlike elements ordinarily usable life car fabric portion normally wears requires replacement three years use aro fabrics specially tailored installation particular models convertibles included general motors ford models equipped ctr brought action aro enjoin alleged infringement contributory infringement obtain accounting respect replacement fabrics made sold aro use general motors ford cars embodying patented structures interlocutory judgment entered ctr district district massachusetts affirmed appeals first circuit reversed aro mfg convertible top replacement aro petition rehearing alternative motion amendment clarification denied decision dealt however general motors ford cars like appeals treated ctr right relief depending wholly upon question whether replacement fabric portions convertible tops constituted infringing reconstruction permissible repair patented combination lower courts held constitute reconstruction making car owner performed direct infringer aro made sold replacement fabric contributory infringer disagreed held merely repair distinction decisive however replacement made structure whose original manufacture sale licensed patentee true general motors cars structure unlicensed true ford cars traditional rule even repair constitutes infringement thus district based ruling ctr respect ford cars alternative ground even replacement fabric portions constituted merely repair car owners still guilty direct infringement aro contributory infringement unlicensed hence infringing structures aspect case considered decided opinion aro remand however another judge district read opinion requiring dismissal ctr complaint ford well general motors cars entered judgment accordingly ctr appealed dismissal insofar applied ford cars appeals reinstated judgment favor ctr extent view appeals correct holding previous decision case reversed insofar unlicensed ford cars concerned however granted certiorari consider question consider also issue decided aro whether aro liable contributory infringement respect manufacture sale replacement fabrics ford cars admitted petitioners aro know purchasers intend use fabric replacement purposes automobile convertible tops covered claims respondent combination patent manufacture sale knowledge might well constitute contributory infringement replacement purchaser constitute direct infringement settled direct infringement patent contributory infringement plain part patent code enacted made change fundamental precept contributory infringement absence direct infringement section defines contributory infringement terms direct infringement namely sale component patented combination machine use infringement patent new patent code defines infringement left intact entire body case law direct infringement determinative question therefore comes whether car owner infringe combination patent replacing fabric element patented convertible top car section provides whoever without authority makes uses sells patented invention infringes patent controverted ford infringed making selling cars embodying patented without authority patentee ford authority purchasers infringed using automobiles fundamental sale patented article patentee authority carries implied license use adams burke wall univis lens ford lacking authority make sell sale cars confer purchasers implied license use use patented structures thus without authority infringing provision explicitly regard unauthorized user patented invention infringer often clearly held unauthorized use without constitutes infringement birdsell shaliol union tool wilson see sanitary refrigerator winters general talking pictures western electric owner use infringed also repair replacing fabric component use infringes repair also perpetuates infringing use doubt patented article may repaired without making repairer infringer done one device patented form come lawfully hands person repaired case words one without right constructs disposes infringing machine affords protection another merely repaired repairer supplying essential part patented combination contributing much perpetuation infringement union special mach maimin aff cir turn next question whether aro supplier replacement fabrics use infringing repair ford car owners contributory infringer patent code section provides whoever sells component patented machine manufacture combination composition material apparatus use practicing patented process constituting material part invention knowing especially made especially adapted use infringement patent staple article commodity commerce suitable substantial noninfringing use shall liable contributory infringer result plainly obtained case law intended codify indeed law established cases suit brought hold liable contributory infringement supplier replacement parts specially designed use repair infringing articles union tool wilson supra held use patented machines authorized consequently implied license use spare parts machines use unless licensed clearly constituted infringement sale spare parts used violated injunction enjoining infringement one makes sells one element combination covered patent intention purpose bringing use combination guilty contributory infringement equally liable patentee fact organizes complete combination elec ohio brass cir enacting congress clearly succeeded objective codifying case law language section fits perfectly aro activity selling component patented combination constituting material part invention especially made especially adapted use infringement patent staple article commodity commerce suitable substantial noninfringing use indeed almost unique case component hardly suitable noninfringing use basis district originally appeals instant case held aro contributory infringer within precise letter see also aro however language presents question apparently noticed parties courts concerning element knowledge must brought home aro liability imposed sale component patented combination knowing especially made especially adapted use infringement patent contributory infringement statute aro knowing within statutory meaning admits lower courts found knew replacement fabrics especially designed use ford convertible tops suitable use statute require showing aro knew tops patented knew also ford licensed patent fabric replacement ford car owner constituted infringement question majority view require showing alleged contributory infringer knew combination component especially designed patented infringing respect many sales involved case aro clearly knowledge letter dated january ab informed aro held patent granted license patent general motors one else obvious foregoing inspection convertible automobile sold ford motor company anyone selling replacement fabrics automobiles guilty contributory infringement said patents thus interpretation knowledge requirement affords aro defense respect sales made january appear overwhelming majority sales fact made date since oldest cars models since average life fabric top said three years respect sales made date however aro held liable absence showing time already acquired requisite knowledge ford car tops patented infringing case remanded finding fact must made question district unless aro found prior knowledge judgment imposing liability must vacated sales made january subsequent sales however hold agreement lower courts aro liable contributory infringement within terms seeking avoid liability aro relies mercoid cases mercoid investment mercoid regulator since cases involved essentially application doctrine patent misuse issue case squarely applicable contributory infringement question hand hardly irrelevant mercoid said among things principle sells unpatented part combination patent use assembled machine may guilty contributory infringement longer prevail defense combination patent used protect unpatented part competition recognized definition misuse limit substantially doctrine contributory infringement raise question residuum may left see report attorney general national committee study antitrust laws answer aro argument congress enacted express purpose reinstating doctrine contributory infringement developed decisions prior mercoid overruling blanket invalidation doctrine found mercoid opinions see hearings supra aro opinions justice black nn justice harlan justice brennan hence aro sale replacement fabrics unlicensed ford cars falls squarely within aro properly invoked misuse doctrine conduct ctr ab mercoid successfully employed shield aro liability contributory infringement thus hold subject reservation expressed pp supra respect sales made january subject reservations set forth succeeding parts opinion aro sales replacement fabrics use ford cars constituted contributory infringement ii agreement made time ctr brief ford already completed manufacture cars involved ford agreed pay ab certain rights patent defined paragraph agreement follows ab hereby releases ford associated companies dealers customers users products claims ab may infringement said patents arising manufacture use sale devices disclosed therein manufactured december replacement top fabrics licensed paragraph license said patent manufacture use sale replacement top fabrics supplied made sold ford extent ab entitled reserve right code respect patented manufactured july replacement fabrics installed date release parties named ford customers claims infringement manufacture sale use patented combination respect new structures manufactured july december appears structures agreement future license ford customers make sell use patented combination excepting replacements unless provided ford special license granted paragraph respect status structures manufactured july agreement also future license ford customers rights make sell use excepting replacements provided ford agreement demonstrated intention release license persons ford customers particular parties intend release license contributory infringers like aro respect replacement fabrics sold either july considering legal effect agreement construed district went rule fabric replacement held constitute repair rather reconstruction subsequently hold aro aro liable contributory infringement replacements made july since construe agreement release contributory infringers rights action already accrued however despite intention parties aro liable replacements made july since replacement legitimate repair average owner must free go persons position defendants without apprehension part distinction sales subsequently became irrelevant district view case held trial replacement fabrics constituted reconstruction rather repair interlocutory judgment ctr thus held aro liable respect ford cars question aro reversed ruling issue reference opinions ford cars took view aro held liable respect replacements made cars july concurring opinion thus agreed distinction originally drawn district present opinion appeals however reinstating ford car portion interlocutory judgment ctr without consideration distinction appears held aro liable respect replacement fabrics sold ford cars july also date long cars remain road present future ctr argument support result emphasizes agreement terms ran favor ford ford customers third parties like aro expressly excepted replacement top fabrics scope rights granted reliance also placed testimony amount paid ford agreement set low clear understanding parties payment affect ab rights recover persons position aro ctr thus argues ford agreement never made clear proper require aro pay royalties insofar infringing ford cars concerned even present time case clear proper agreement expressly recognize expressly exclude aro liability terms since ford refused purchase rights aro either july aro liable ford repair activities date restriction thus eliminated consideration clear aro liable contributory infringement connection sales replacement fabrics made july date ford car owners authority patentee indeed license fully use repair patented structures hence commit direct infringement fabrics replaced hence aro selling replacement fabrics purpose commit contributory infringement case sales thus squarely ruled aro held despite ab attempt reserve right license sales replacement fabrics general motors car owners authorized use patented structures virtue license granted general motors ab performed nothing permissible repair replaced fabrics hence direct infringement owners aro selling replacement fabrics contribute words since fabric replacement repair rather reconstruction merely aspect use patented article thus beyond patentee power control use authorized ford car owners authorized use patented structures july virtue agreement ab ford hence likewise entitled despite ab attempt reserve right perform permissible repair replacing fabrics hence aro car owners replacing fabrics committed direct infringement aro sales contribute purchaser user amerced infringer certainly one sold amerced contributing infringement aro ctr result inconsistent birdsell shaliol union tool wilson view birdsell allowed patentee hold one infringer liable use patented machines obtaining judgment another infringer manufacture sale machines union tool held infringement exist defendant held liable manufacture sale certain infringing machines sold spare parts use machines cases turned upon fact patentee collected prior judgment thus received compensation infringing use indeed compensation contrast amount paid ford agreement expressly stated include compensation use patented structures ford purchasers moreover agreement covered future use respect operated precisely like license result agreement date simply infringing use patentee entitled compensation see birdsell shaliol supra sum ab obtained reward use patented structures terms agreement ford ctr obtain aro another reward use therefore hold agreement district original view aro liable sales made july insofar judgment appeals imposes liability sales reversed iii true contributory infringer species held liable contributed another causing single harm plaintiff see wallace holmes fed cas elec ohio brass supra rich geo rev also true old rule release given one necessarily released another even though expressly stated effect see prosser torts ed rule aro argument point prevail since agreement release ford purchasers infringing use agreement date use aro contributed see schiff hammond clock cir reversed dismissal moot rule applicable even area nonpatent torts repudiated statute decision many see prosser supra overwhelming weight scholarly authority american law institute restatement torts comments application rule contributory infringement rejected birdsell shaliol supra applied patent case proposition law judgment one joint trespasser without full satisfaction bar suit another trespass true judgment true release see prosser supra release given direct infringer respect past infringement clearly intends save releasor rights past contributory infringer automatically surrender rights thus district correct denying defendants entitled fortuitous benefit old joint rule mere fact agreement released ford ford customers past infringement negate aro liability past infringement hence judgment appeals insofar relates ford car sales made aro july subject reservation set forth pp supra respect sales made january affirmed accordingly case remanded district determination damages proceedings deems appropriate iv sum paid ford release customers constituted full satisfaction ab infringing use patented structures think clear ctr collect payment aro contributing infringing use rule payments made one tortfeasor account harm another liable diminish amount claim whether agreed time payment whether payment made judgment restatement torts supra depends upon measure total amount recovery ctr ab entitled particular entitled recover royalty aro infringing sales replacement fabrics clear recovery included payment ford whose representatives interested buying sort release license anything else help replacement top people see note supra ctr contend involved litigation apparently assumed judgment holding aro liable contributory infringement result recovery royalty aro sales assumption disagree view despite affirmance judgment aro sales made agreement date royalty available ctr part recovery indeed doubtful ctr properly allowed recovery anything nominal damages aro measure recovery patent infringement governed provides upon finding claimant shall award claimant damages adequate compensate infringement event less reasonable royalty use made invention infringer together interest costs fixed damages found jury shall assess either event may increase damages three times amount found assessed patent nomenclature infringer makes profits owner patent loses infringement damages duplate triplex safety glass profits damages traditionally two basic elements recovery prior statutory precursor present allowed recovery amounts reading follows pon decree rendered case infringement complainant shall entitled recover addition profits accounted defendant damages complainant sustained thereby amended stat object bill make basis recovery suits general damages damages complainant prove less reasonable royalty together interest time infringement occurred rather profits damages sess accompany sess accompany amendment crucial significance total amount ctr recovery aro hence amount may still recovered receipt payment ford recovery infringer profits allowed rule complainant damages criterion defendant profits immaterial profits made defendant made plaintiff walker patents deller ed cases joint infringement said declared doctrine whereas total damage sustained paid one damages duplicated recovery another nevertheless every infringer patent right may made give whatever profits derived infringement one infringer relieved payment another infringer accountable profits received hazeltine atwater kent mfg supra rule ctr might well argue payment received ford effect preventing recovering profits made aro might even exceed amount royalty aro sales present statutory rule damages may recovered defined compensation pecuniary loss patentee suffered infringement without regard question whether defendant gained lost unlawful acts coupe royer said constitute difference pecuniary condition infringement condition infringement occurred yale lock mfg sargent question asked determining damages much patent holder licensee suffered infringement question primarily infringer infringed patent made livesay window livesay industries supra thus determine damages may recovered aro must ask much ctr suffered aro infringement much made aro infringed asking question may assume first agreement july exist ab collected cent ford even assumption find difficult see ctr damages measured royalty aro sales ctr ab deprived royalty aro infringement licensed aro sales event denied right aro still denied even received royalties patented combinations right granted without allowing patentee derive profit invention law gives monopoly unpatented supplies used motion picture patents universal film mfg mercoid investment supra absurd say ctr recover aro aro licensed general motors recover stood let ford infringe apparently see infra brought suit aro settling ford rules prohibiting extension patent monopoly unpatented elements readily circumvented mean course ctr remedy aro contributory infringement proper case obtain injunction recover damages actually suffered contributory infringement virtue prolongation use infringing automobiles case willful infringement recover punitive increased damages statute trebling provision perhaps express view question recover aro royalty ford sales patented even though damages primarily caused aro infringement ford case recovered ford ford customers difficult conceive instance however actual damages properly based royalty sales unpatented article used merely repair patented structure ctr thus collect royalty aro sales absence payment ford surely ab return released ford ford customers liability direct infringement aro contributed indeed actual damages ctr recover aro receiving ford answer depends whether ctr ab suffered loss aro infringement depends turn much made aro infringed view merely contributory nature aro infringement leads turn question much ctr ab made ford infringed event held aro respect general motors cars held part ii supra respect ford car sales aro contributorily infringed ford infringed ab made royalty ford sales patented made royalty license general motors aro amount thus received must compared however amount ab fact received ford shall assume present although ctr opportunity disprove assumption upon remand amount received ab agreement amount received licensed ford first place produce number convertible tops assumption ab well ford never infringed patent since ford infringed aro contributorily infringed follows ctr ab made aro infringed precisely make virtue ford agreement pecuniary position rendered one cent worse total infringement aro contributed hence entitled assumption stated payment ford anything nominal damages aro allow recovery royalty aro sales receipt equivalent royalty ford sales allow recovery aro receipt full satisfaction ford disregard statutory provision recovery damages war virtually every policy consideration area law enable patentee derive profit merely unpatented rather patented goods achievement proscribed motion picture patents mercoid cases supra unpatented patented goods thus doubling number rewards patentee entitled patent law written see justice black concurring aro seriously restrict purchaser right use repair article legally purchased use patentee compensated see adams burke wall patentee achieve result moreover simple tactic licensing suing manufacturer first place rather standing direct infringement occurs thus allowing contributory infringements spring around result bringing within reach monopoly unpatented items never manufacturer licensed start little sacrificed almost always possible sue settle manufacturer later date fact seems strategy ab employed first sent ford notice infringement according deposition testimony ab counsel late day got patent yet nothing stop ford infringement settle ford months later time automobiles question manufactured view apparently deliberate delay unquestionably solvent status infringer indeed seems unlikely amount paid release less paid license event notion intolerable delay ctr ab entitle collect aro collected ford licensed start general motors achieve result use contributory infringement doctrine especially ironic view purpose doctrine set forth case law commentary presented congress urging passage purpose essentially stated earlier versions bill became provide protection patent rights enforcement direct infringers impracticable sess sess hearings rich see supra explained may twenty thirty percent patents granted practically enforced direct infringers hearings supra purpose might applicable ctr ab unable enforce patent ford rather unlikely event since indeed impractical sue every one car owners patentee fact enforced patent solvent accessible direct infringer ford difficult see allowed invoke contributory infringement doctrine designed cases enforcement direct infringers impracticable enforce patent second time obtain reward extract direct infringer alone whatever result might old damages profits provision perversion congressional purpose possible within rule allowing recovery damages hence think patentee collected behalf direct infringer damages sufficient put position occupied infringement thereafter collect actual damages person liable contributing infringement principle application rule full satisfaction received one prevents recovery another consistent opinion birdsell shaliol supra see also george haiss mfg cir buerk imhaeuser note supra fed cas squarely accord recent decision appeals second circuit farrand optical cir authority even lower courts directly contrary many cases cited ctr correct proposition use repair infringing structure constitutes infringement relatively deal question amount recovery true allow recovery sales infringing machines recovery sales spare parts machines distinguishable either parts patented infringing sold machines well thus arguably taken sales machines parts away patentee overlapping recovery allowed direct contributory infringers one profits rather damages farrand case supra payment direct infringer made judicial decree thus question represented full compensation infringing use private release past infringement purport release others involved adequacy compensation must always question fact hence seems unlikely ford payment agreement less paid license anything less full satisfaction ab infringing use committed directly ford purchasers contributorily aro think case must nevertheless remanded findings question also allow lower courts consider whether aro conduct warrant award punitive increased damages although think unlikely result judgment appeals reversed insofar holds aro liable contributory infringement respect sales made july judgment affirmed insofar holds aro liable respect sales made date subject reservation based knowledge requirement respect sales made january case remanded district proceedings consistent opinion ordered footnotes also granted aro motion leave use record us aro ctr made motion settle record asking us declare certain items designated printing aro comprise portion record postponed consideration motion hearing case merits items question included record aro consist certain requests admissions answers thereto materials involved accounting proceeding begun original affirmance appeals subsequently stayed never completed motion strike materials record made ctr course second appeal appeals denied without prejudice renewal brief oral argument upon taxation costs ctr renew motion upon brief oral argument appeals says still intends upon taxation costs costs ever taxed appeals events appeals motion also denied without prejudice renewal upon taxation costs appeals part opinion exception point discussed note infra expresses views justices harlan brennan stewart white goldberg case considered part opinion without reference agreement made july ford ab thus assumption ford never obtained authority patent effect agreement considered succeeding parts opinion need consider whether car owners sued infringement patentee entitled indemnity ford breach warranty theory fact sued released liability agreement ford ab see infra section designed codify statutory form principles contributory infringement part law years see also congressman rogers statement hearings subcommittee house judiciary committee effect recodification particularly section became patent code point least sense congress remove question confusion whether contributory infringement existed state positive law thing contributory infringement least sense congress enactment law mercoid case done away contributory infringement reinstate matter substantive law shall hereafter proper case recognize hold liable one contributed infringement patent substantive law write adopted section exists right aro factory manager admitted fabric replacements question specially designed ford convertibles knowledge fit cars view held chief justice justices black douglas clark white see opinion justice black post pp justice white post justices harlan brennan stewart goldberg dissent interpretation statute view knowledge congress meant require simply knowledge component especially designed use combination staple article suitable substantial use knowledge combination either patented infringing reasons may summarized follows result consistent congressional intention codify case law contributory infringement existed prior decision mercoid investment general see note supra infra specific reference knowledge requirement see hearings supra note case law liability established showing component suitable substantial use patented combination since duty defendant see combinations intentionally inducing promoting shall confined may lawfully organized elec ohio brass supra accord mercoid investment supra walker patents deller ed cases cited see freedman friedman cir house committee change language bill concerning knowledge requirement see opinion justice black post pp intended limit liability cases alleged contributory infringer knowledge patented infringing nature combination intended merely assure statute construed require knowledge article sold component combination especially designed use therein rather simply knowledge article sold see statement congressman crumpacker hearings supra objecting original language ground way phrased word knowingly refers directly word sells see also representatives manufacturing concern justice department urge committee adopt position holds adopt none congressmen said anything indicate agreement views disagreement contrary view expressed spokesman sponsors bill view clearly stated several occasions hearings ou know component going machine know patented know number patent know machine going constitutes infringement see also section quoted opinion justice black post require different conclusion section prevents patentee recovering damages infringement unless marked patented article notice patent since patentee may hardly expected mark article manufactured sold rather infringer section held apply situation wine ry appliance enterprise ry equip course situation respect ford cars aro contend recovery ctr precluded misuse patent also misuse entitles aro award treble damages violation antitrust laws although point arguably raised aro original answer counterclaim decided aro original opinion district substantially abandoned first appeal hence ruled first opinion appeals accordingly opinion aro stated patent misuse issue case see also dissenting opinion justice harlan remand district dismissed without prejudice counterclaim alleging misuse appeals held neither defense based misuse counterclaim case defense clearly abandoned counterclaim never adequately pleaded find error ruling thus occasion consider aro allegations patent misuse doubt construed applied within limitations set forth succeeding portions opinion constitutional part opinion expresses views justices brennan stewart white goldberg justice harlan concurs result counsel ab testified deposition follows definitely told replacement top manufacturers left position collect royalty obviously give ford lower rate ford said wanted interested buying sort release license anything else help replacement top people district termed agreement future license respect ab counsel one occasion referred release license difficult see considered license insofar related future activity see de forest radio tel although course proper label less important clear effect authorizing ford purchasers make full use patented structures birdsell relied fact nominal damages awarded prior suit union tool statement patentee received compensation whatever infringement use machines apparently based fact damages profits awarded prior judgment yet calculated paid see brief respondent opinion appeals cir compare buerk imhaeuser fed cas fed cas date sale aro rather date installation car purchaser aro control since act sale made contributory infringement since aro infringement thus terminated seem perpetual injunction included interlocutory judgment longer proper element relief part opinion like part expresses views justices harlan brennan stewart white goldberg part opinion expresses views justices brennan stewart white goldberg justice harlan considers matters dealt ripe decision left determination future course litigation ab counsel asserted deposition believe right arrive royalty otherwise consider patented replacement top asked district hearing concerning judgment bond much expected recover ctr counsel replied suppose reasonable royalty per cent considerable evidence introduced master aro income infringing sales royalty rates fixed licenses granted ctr ab suppliers see also statement ab counsel quoted note supra statement ctr brief quoted supra codification code consolidated present stated purpose merely reorganization language clarify statement statutes see also hearing house committee patents subsequently amended reintroduced reported pp answer given ab counsel question figure arrived except say larger intended release contributory infringers well fact paragraph agreement provides royalty replacement tops general motors license agreement also apparently suggests effective royalty received ford right make sell patented topstructures received general motors see also elec ohio brass supra atty nat comm study laws supra rich geo rev eastman rev note yale reed roller bit hughes tool cir national brake elec christensen cir graham mason fed cas mass conmar products tibony supp justice white concurring agree brother black plain language legislative history require alleged contributory infringer knowledge infringing nature combination contributing part otherwise share justice brennan view case section imposes comparable requirement knowledge case direct infringer makes uses patented combination say one makes uses without knowledge infringing specifies infringer liable damages notice infringement event brother brennan says applicable wine ry appliance enterprise ry equipment patentee manufactured article opportunity mark accordance patentee gave notice aro think liable ford tops sold date unless knowledge sources notice date knowledge requirement satisfied use ford cars owners thereof direct infringement providing necessary predicate contributory infringement justice black chief justice justice douglas justice clark join dissenting number reasons reverse judgment reinstate order dismissal district regret find necessary disagree inferences draws past history case respondent convertible held exclusive rights massachusetts combination patent convertible automobile top combination consisting wood metal supports fabric cover mechanism seal fabric side automobile order keep weather none elements combination patented patentable years question general motors corporation ford motor company manufactured automobiles tops like described patent general motors license convertible authorizing ford petitioner aro manufactured sold fabric replacement covers purchased owners general motors ford cars covers originally installed cars wore convertible settled claim made ford direct infringement sue ford dealers ford car owners maintained also individual general motors ford car owners replaced covers aro replacement covers directly infringed combination patent convertible sue individual car owners patched replaced fabric bring suit aro charging aro selling replacement fabric thereby helped individual car owners infringe became liable contributory infringer district held patent valid aro guilty contributory infringement enjoined aro alleged infringements ordered accounting determine damages due convertible aro sales replacement fabrics owners general motors ford cars appeals affirmed judgment granted certiorari review reversed judgment aro mfg convertible top replacement denied petition rehearing alternative motion amendment clarification convertible argued reversal applied replacements general motors ford cars district received mandate entered judgment dismissing complaint ground decision mandate reversed prior judgment entirety convertible appealed dismissal appeals said puzzling question whether reversing intended reverse toto reverse insofar replacement tops general motors cars concerned decision dealt however general motors ford cars ante opinion delivered justice whittaker opinion joined chief justice justice black justice douglas justice clark grounds opinion shall point applied alike repair ford cars originally sold manufacturer without license convertible general motors cars sold license justice brennan however dissented grounds opinion although concurred judgment reversal except however relief granted respondent respect replacements made ford cars july justice harlan joined justices frankfurter stewart dissented opinion judgment entirety grounds dissenting opinion substantially justice brennan difference justice harlan dissent justice brennan opinion concurring judgment except relief granted respect replacements made ford cars minor one agreed contrary decided person held liable contributory infringement combination patent even though furnished replacement part combination part replaced important enough substitution amount reconstruction rather merely repair device justice brennan however believed question whether reconstruction decide matter law reconstruction justice harlan said trial findings reconstruction decisive difference approach justices harlan brennan justice whittaker writing responsible read record fact reversed former judgment entirety justice brennan willing reverse replacement fabrics sold general motors cars justice brennan believed since licensed general motors cars built directly infringe patent aro contributed amount reconstruction aro contributory infringer ford cars however built manufacturer without license convertible ford purchasers used cars allegedly direct infringers since aro helped ford owners continue use infringing tops contributory infringer even though replacement covers reconstruct tops however justice whittaker opinion rejected completely notion ever within meaning contributory infringement whether based finding reconstruction theory case like one patent merely combination patent party sued infringement sold replacements part combination opinion relied fact fabric aro used patented convertible made claim invention based fabric shape pattern design combination patent gave owner monopoly nothing combination whole since justice whittaker said anything settled patent law combination patent covers totality elements claim element separately viewed within grant effect holding since top fabric patented convertible extend monopoly privileges regarding combination whole unpatented fabric cover part top obviously holding reasons justice whittaker gave depend whether fabric used ford general motors car justice whittaker four members joined course familiar alleged distinction convertible tried draw rights reference general motors licensed cars one hand ford unlicensed cars district judge opinion drew distinction convertible brief drew distinction justice brennan drew distinction opinion concurring judgment respect replacement fabrics general motors cars dissenting respect ford cars apparent therefore majority joined justice whittaker opinion asserted distinction simply irrelevant since convertible holder combination patent circumstances prevent others making supplying unpatented unpatentable replacement parts element combination opinion justice whittaker made holding respect combination patents like one element separately patented constitutes one elements combination patent entitled patent monopoly however essential may patented combination matter costly difficult replacement may left doubt reversed judgment appeals entirety rather part doubt certainly removed action taken convertible petition rehearing alternative motion amendment clarification judgment motion specifically pointed alleged distinction convertible rights respect aro replacement fabrics two kinds cars denied motion petition rehearing rejected precisely argument today accepting since motion petition rehearing rejected five justices must found convertible arguments without merit time april justice whittaker still member assumed four votes rehearing justice brennan joined judgment reference fabric replacements ford cars justice harlan justice frankfurter justice stewart dissented opinion entirety four votes grant motion petition rehearing five votes justice harlan justice brennan justice stewart justice white justice goldberg reverse earlier rulings course permissible reason today action departing prior holding also pointed words appeals used describe previous opinion puzzling question compare legal tender cases wall hepburn griswold wall merits today departure prior holding think old majority right new majority wrong reasons set justice whittaker opinion concurring opinion ii holds although fabric used car tops unpatented clearly unpatentable nevertheless free expand monopoly beyond patent boundaries preventing sales single element unpatented fabric new majority relies largely justice harlan justice frankfurter justice stewart justice brennan first time case said satisfied answers given new majority interpretation said justice whittaker opinion concurrence since new majority giving convertible legal monopoly unpatented fabric cover find necessary reach constitutional question urged aro article constitution gives congress power promote progress science useful arts securing limited times authors inventors exclusive right respective writings discoveries granting patent monopolies constitutional authority represents minor exception nation traditional policy competitive business economy safeguarded antitrust laws articles patentable therefore public domain fabric covers grant legally protected monopoly offends constitutional plan competitive economy free patent monopolies except patentable discoveries grant patent monopoly fabrics justified constitutionally calling sale competitors contributory infringement giving label cf compco lighting sears roebuck stiffel iii holds quite properly think patentee get one recovery one infringement matter many different persons take part infringement case ford allegedly direct infringer convertible patent made settlement convertible past infringements making cars obtained license use patent future holds one recovery alleged infringement ford turned loose trade convertible nevertheless opportunity try prove settled ford less full amount damages think brings unjust result patent law compel ford principal infringer obtained complete release damages infringement hold innocent purchasers ford cars containing infringing devices entitled released ford considerable merit fairness idea completely releasing liability one several persons obligated another releases particularly area patent law doctrine contributory infringement rested belief direct infringer may sometimes situation patentee given chance collect damages solvent company knowingly aided infringement original infringement infringement ford fairness require recovery chief wrongdoer ford first obligation injured person try hold ford completely responsible particularly true instances like one company infringes patent sells goods enter channels trade throughout nation thereby subjecting untold number innocent dealers future purchasers even repairmen damages statutory right sue infringement involving treble damages punitive damages attorney fees etc construed way permits unnecessary harassment people bought goods open market place think nothing much unfair visit infringement sins large manufacturer upon thousands ultimate purchasers buy use goods iv foregoing reasons believe aro held liable damages district ordered dismiss case majority however remands case determination whether extent aro liable damages whether aro liable damages depends whether persons whose infringement aro alleged contributed held liable damages even though may knowledge patent covered top conduct infringed helped infringe patent hold unless knowledge infringement contributory infringement section section dealing contributory infringers aro alleged provides whoever sells component patented combination constituting material part invention knowing especially made especially adapted use infringement patent shall liable contributory infringer usually word knowing means knowing unwilling say means unknowing statute means rather plainly order violate one sells article must know article used infringement patent especially made especially adapted purpose furthermore legislative history statute confirms interpretation originally drafted provided whoever knowingly sells component patented combination especially made especially adapted use infringement patent shall liable contributory infringer whoever sells component patented combination knowing especially made especially adapted use infringement patent shall liable contributory infringer latter paragraph much restricted many proponents contributory infringement believe case sale component patented machine must constitute material part invention must known especially made especially adapted use infringement contributory infringement furthermore justify result today defining contributory infringement expands coverage deals direct infringement make every consumer repairman innocently buys repairs unmarked article infringes patent liable damages direct infringer order contributory infringement admits must direct infringement alleged contributory infringer aided ford direct infringer aro sold nothing ford order find direct infringer used aro fabrics thereby justify result says individual buys product automobile infringing manufacturer devotes personal use without liable direct infringer patent even though know manufacturer product infringed patent indeed even though perhaps know patent interpretation concerning lack necessity knowledge person mulcted damages direct infringement strangely inconsistent another provision patent code unequivocal easily understood language damages shall recovered patentee action infringement except proof infringer notified infringement continued infringe thereafter yet holding support judicial precedent certainly none common sense justice innocent consumers patented products equally innocently repair parts subjected punitive treble damages even though neither knew suspected patent forbade buy use repair products one thing require sell new inventions profit check records patent office quite another hold every housewife plumber auto repairman must tremendous burden construction patent laws put innocent bona fide dealers purchasers unpatented products congress change ruling accurately predicted number patented appliances various kinds automobiles certainly small appeared litigation courts windshield sun visors wheel attachments bushing assemblies automobile heaters windshield defrosters steering stabilizers shock absorbers pistons steering gear checks steering wheels radiator shields clutch release thrust bearings mountings mirrors mechanisms spark plug coil connectors wire springs upholstered seat structures steering gear idler arms windshield wiper blade assemblies others opinion case certainly behoove purchasers new cars repair shops mend cars hire experts find order try ascertain whether car bought maybe credit dealer asked repair booby trap waiting subject suits infringement reason one car patented appliances name existence owner car may even suspect automobiles course equipment ordinary purchasers use patented devices purchasers homes equipped modern appliances well millions buyers consumer goods general may soon made unhappily aware broad scope patent monopolies interpreted entrepreneurs new corporate business suing infringements aro claimed convertible corporation set function may soon become common patents neither language purpose patent laws requires construed bring threats wide scale free functioning business economy purchasers patented appliances wholly innocent intention infringe patents believe construing patent laws attribute congress purpose bringing unreasonable absurd wholly unjust results cf american trucking church holy trinity believe congress intended subject damages thousands ultimate consumers know reason suspect lawsuits lurking every patented contrivance concealed somewhere within hidden recesses automobiles reverse judgment appeals send case back district instructions dismiss whoever sells component patented machine manufacture combination composition material apparatus use practicing patented process constituting material part invention knowing especially made especially adapted use infringement patent staple article commodity commerce suitable substantial use shall liable contributory infringer stat justice brennan opinion said brother harlan dissent cogently reasons also think narrow standard constitutes impermissible reconstruction one convertible argument headings read proposed rules law propounded aro government facts case extend ford cars brief respondent aro mfg convertible top replacement term argument extended next several pages pp respondent petition limited rehearing alternative motion amendment clarification opinion aro mfg convertible top replacement term pp replacements ford cars treated differently general motors cars argument made petition motion discussion doubtful validity combination patent see concurring opinion former decision case emphasis supplied sess emphasis supplied see hearings subcommittee committee judiciary ser chief engineer chairman board company manufactures instruments customers specifications testified make large number devices people come us industry distant points realize patents millions claims involved present status bill become liable contributory infringers see impossible us know cases whether infringed knowingly sells thus become highly controversial construed various patent lawyers meet particular situation congressman bryson seems sells knows sells fugate justice department knows sells case mentioned cutter metal plate according special pattern know used infringing manner used patented combination congressman rogers inasmuch recognize law still gives cause action contributor helps infringe objection part justice department clarify law definite words confusion gentlemen testified giles rich national council patent law associations stated nowingly sells component patented machine means us know component going machine know patented know number patent know machine going constitutes infringement know ultimate destination emphasis supplied patentees persons making selling patented article may give notice public patented either fixing thereon word patent abbreviation pat together number patent character article done fixing package wherein one contained label containing like notice event failure mark damages shall recovered patentee action infringement except proof infringer notified infringement continued infringe thereafter event damages may recovered infringement occurring notice filing action infringement shall constitute notice stat cases cites contrary view neither considered decided issue whether innocent persons entirely unaware conduct either infringe contribute infringement patent held liable direct contributory infringers wine ry appliance enterprise ry equipment held primary infringer like ford ordered manufactured sold profit patented escape liability infringement simply statutory notice patent marked infringing latches pointed patentee never opportunity attach notice infringer producing latches without patentee knowledge situation case us involving asserted liability consumers unmarked goods rather seller goods profit even remotely resemble wine none cases relied interpreted even considered see