Case Name: THE UNITED STATES v. BETHLEHEM STEEL COMPANY
Court: Supreme Court of the United States
Jurisdiction: United States
Decision Date: 1921-10
Citations: 57 Ct. Cl. 599
Docket Number: 
Parties: THE UNITED STATES v. BETHLEHEM STEEL COMPANY.
Judges: 
Reporter: United States Court of Claims Reports
Volume: 57
Pages: 599–599

Head Matter:
THE UNITED STATES v. BETHLEHEM STEEL COMPANY.
[55 C. Cls. 534; 258 U. S. 321.]
Judgment was rendered against the United States in the1 court below. On appeal the judgment was affirmed, and the Supreme Court decided:
A contract of tire 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.
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.

Opinion:
Mr. Justice McKeNNa
delivered the opinion of the Supreme Court April 10, 1922.