Document: 368 U.S. 464 82 S.Ct. 486 7 L.Ed.2d 458 Lou POLLER, Petitioner,v.COLUMBIA BROADCASTING SYSTEM, INC., et al. No. 45. Argued Nov. 13 and 14, 1961. Decided Feb. 19, 1962. Morris Wolf, Philadelphia, Pa., for petitioner. Samuel I. Rosenman, New York City, respondents. Mr. Justice CLARK delivered the opinion of Court. 1 The question involved here is whether this treble damage action based on alleged violations restraint trade monopoly sections Sherman Law1 was rightly terminated by a summary judgment dismissal. petitioner, Poller, assignee Midwest Broadcasting Company, dissolved corporation. In 1954 owner operator WCAN, an ultra high frequency (UHF)2 broadcasting station located in Milwaukee. affiliated with Columbia System network value $2,000,000. Poller charged that respondents entered into unlawful conspiracy to eliminate WCAN from broadcast field Milwaukee.3 It part respondent Holt secure his name option purchase WOKY, competing but inferior UHF broadcaster When if Federal Communications Commission amended its multiple ownership rules, then under consideration, so as permit CBS own stations addition VHF ones, assign it elected. event, agreed would cancel affiliation agreement pursuant contract due course consummate WOKY. This place precarious position two major national networks Being unable survive such competition, only be liquidate at distressed prices valuable equipment facilities recently acquired. might acquire them price use new operation which necessary because quality those have Midwest's superior WOKY license enable start minimum expense least possible delay. further claimed overall purpose destroy broadcasting, had been permitted enter 1952, order protect vast interest throughout United States. Finally, he successful not acquired loss $1,450,000 latter obliged buy exorbitant agree continue latter's premises—which done 'in pretend there no or elimination competition * *.' However, continued business 10 days after started broadcasts February 17, 1955. discontinued 1959 when became Milwaukee station. 2 At hearing motion trial judge held injury suffered damnum absque injuria, stating right subject approval, WCAN. 174 F.Supp 802. Court Appeals affirmed Judge Washington dissenting, 109 U.S.App.D.C. 170, 284 F.2d 599, we granted certiorari, 365 840, 81 804, 5 807. We now conclude genuine issue material facts therefore order. 3 Summary should pleadings, depositions, affidavits, admissions filed case 'show (except amount diamages) any fact moving party entitled matter law.' Rule 56(c), Fed.Rules Civ.Proc., 28 U.S.C.A. rule authorizes 'only where law, quite clear what truth is, (and where) remains (for) cut litigants off their jury they really issues try.' Sartor v. Arkansas Natural Gas Corp., 321 620, 627, 64 724, 728, 88 L.Ed. 967 (1944). examine contentions parties determine proper. II. 4 depended upon affidavits four persons. first Richard Salant, Vice President ; another, Jay Eliasberg, Director Research Division; third, Lee Bartell, who made sale $50,000 profit; finally, Thad Holt, codefendant received $10,000 transaction. These were supplemented taken petitioner's depositions Salant Stanton. readily apparent each these persons interested party. Respondents appear most reliance testimony, shall, therefore, take up some detail. projects three defenses, being following reasons: CBS—TV separate entity division CBS, could between two; cover man securing 'had given particular job' conspirator; Bartell never shared illegal bring him conspiracy. Secondly, legality cancellation merely legal exercise 'the normal producer select outlet product.' And, charges are entirely 'frivolous.' accepted second defense. III. 6 may independent exercised WCAN's six months' notice independently purchased parcel conduct others conceived unreasonably restrain trade, control market, monopolize, well run afoul Law. See Times-Picayune Pub. Co. States, 345 594, 624—625, 73 872, 889, 97 1277 (1953); Eastman Kodak Southern Photo Materials Co., 273 359, 375, 47 400, 404, 71 684 (1927). alleges exhibits indicate much more than free cancellation. A television market; depressed prices; occupy band market exclusively. one means used effectuate Moreover, wider sense' claims 'to wipe out outstanding county (WCAN) wiping destroyed industry, threat them, despite protestations, enormous economic investment VHF.' argued cannot conspire itself. begs allegation parties, i.e., conspired officers.4 While respondents' assert acted good faith special agent employee completely evil motives directed toward indicated belief 'an actor' submitted status disposed other grounds. Furthermore, deposition exhibit showed furnished complete analysis writing TV there, including revealed knowledge obvious effect plan personal stake success. included, inter alia, Holt's statements met top officials briefing role, close friend officials, retained himself unused CBS. admissions, coupled uncertainty time permitting suggest alternative let not. Likewise, Bartell's affidavit, barely page half record, does negative allegations Unquestionably, knowing acting prove disastrous did file certain papers requesting approval opportunity cross-examine although key witness theory case. And noted even though transfer uncontested before vote Commissioners remaining strongly dissenting.5 substantiate against 8 Respondents' answer charge purposes exert restraining development 'fantastic assumption—for shred evidence.' An record seems prior channls assigned Commission, (WCAN WOKY) operating; since December 1953 studying markets preparatory expected change rules allow five ones; staff rated Pittsburgh, St. Louis, Haven-Hartford, Milwaukee, order, attractive; chose rather operate third available channel; profitable 1954, lower rates 'immediately converted losing' one, 1955 business; reported about $130,000 contrasted sharply 66% increase profits nationally. reports itself show always recognized 'a preferable 'specially short-term prospects' (emphasis supplied) characteristic present' (1954) 'single station' market. programing 'already working build population (through WCAN) (t)here continuing give support buildup until come in.' (Emphasis supplied.) 9 indicates built operation, successful' Even pointed example how vigorously aggressively managed community can do well.' short period year public acceptance great 90% 260,000 sets area modified, $20 owner, able receive signals. refused enlarge six-month clause, intention affiliation.6 was, claims, came eliminated both Since total number commercial States has steadily declined 121 end 94 midyear 1956. 1957 88. 1958 abandoned Hartford, very controversy likewise abandoned, leaving service. Instead, switched VHF, affiliating Storer Company authorized same year. will remembered prospect who, pay $2,000,000 adopted cooled warning. All sufficient warrant finding contends charge, fantasy, particularly light testimony 'it kiss death either NBC station.' all evidence But say is.' Certainly conclusive supporting theory. look favorable opposing motion, granted. believe procedures sparingly complex antitrust litigation motive intent play leading roles, proof largely hands conspirators, hostile witnesses thicken plot.7 present cross-examination credibility weight appraised. Trial affidavit substitute long hallmark 'even handed justice.' IV. 11 Other ready disposition. They resulted CBS' termination enabled area, Poller's doomed without affiliation. To extent argument suggests violation laws still service, foreclosed Court's decision Klor's, Inc., Broadway-Hale Stores, 359 207, 79 705, 741 (1959). meant canceling doing resulting demise followed conditions, erroneously assumes absolute contractual privilege. Part III, supra. contention regard additional claim destruction entirely. sole 'there evidence' charge. yet, factual disputed pleadings undetermined. 12 monopolization frivolous. find unclear claims. view our remand merits, forego comment thereon. complaint allege relevant involved. court issue. appropriate adduced showing § 2. generally International Boxing Club 358 242, 249—252, 245, 249—251, 270 (1959); E. du Pont de Nemours & 353 586, 648—654, 77 906—909, 1057 (1957) (dissenting opinion). judicial administration withhold issues. Reversed remanded. 14 HARLAN, whom FRANKFURTER, WHITTAKER STEWART join, dissenting. 15 As I see it, cases, unfamiliar treble-damage litigation, hazards sought redressable casting affair terms. think fit case, courts below correct holding law. 16 arises arrangement owned whose property assignee. maintains legitimate right. says monopolize business, violative §§ Act. Suing Clayton Act,1 seeks recover damages trebled fair equipment, distress forced consequence contract. 17 asserts joined wanted put step grand design indeed said looked disfavor growth already heavily committed VHF. subsidiary steps towards effectuation plan, chilled prospective purchasers WCAN; WOKY; later closed down.2 co-conspirators CBS-Television, unincorporated CBS; officers management consultant, behest obtained 18 assume proceed District left open object appeared petitioner reduce outright CBS.3 But, reasons below, disclosed practical certainty made. 19 What remain among division, agents whereby canceled somewhere drawn net found actors meeting minds satisfy usual requirement 'plurality parties,'4 carry not, my view, offend anything proscribed 20 passing judgment, especially refer (ante, U.S., pp. 468, 473, S.Ct., 488, 491). pretrial depositions. Petitioner's counsel examined Frank Stanton, Vice-President procuring station.5 also form counsel, opposition judgment. addition, contained answers written interrogatories far meager discovery appropriateness must evaluated. 21 Civil Procedure 56(c) 22 'if file, together any, 23 providing, draftsmen intend litigant's fact-finder triable remained unresolved had. 967; Fountain Filson, 336 681, 69 754, 93 971. On hand, equally obviate trials serve useful purpose. administering Rule, availability discovery, actually discovered, factor considered determining 'genuine fact' open. E.g., Schneider McKesson Robbins, Cir., 254 827, 831. Further, 'sparingly' p. 491) kinds employment cases stringent criteria others. contrary, reflecting way lawsuit, having temptations statutory private remedy affords institution vexatious inordinate sometimes demand courts, reason giving full sweep field. 24 access marshal merits.6 Neither nor direct produced accomplish recognize, (accompanied affiliation) 'conceived monopolize.' (Ante, 469, 489.) added.) words, unless would, itself, unlawful, prevail suit proved intended stifle in, closing down or, broadly, destroying whole part.7 25 crucial issue, turns motives. Had proceeded introduced opinion, go jury. There extrinsic purpose, executives unequivocally denied competitor, affirmative trade. possibility disbelieve assertions innocence enough forestall entry favor. Dyer MacDougall, 201 265. 26 Despite ample afforded procedures, shown, produce conspiracy, narrow far-reaching, hatched. He just hope formal atmosphere courtroom revise clever tactic helpful evidence. Courts exist afford opportunities litigating gambles. Radio City Music Hall Corp. 135 715; supra; cf. Orvis Brickman, 90 266, 270, 196 762, 765—766; Lavine Shapiro, 257 20—21. 27 nothing proceeding did, actuated desire appears questions asked Stanton officers, imply failure negotiate instance Were shown consider purchasing instead station, former satisfactory terms, competitor bought shows insisted refusal deal result information placed That insistence, controvert impugn, confirmed computation reveals valued demanded purchasers. sure substantially facilities, $335,000. 29 Nor anticipated offer sell fact, conceded brief Court, initiated negotiations 'importuned hands.' Petitioner knew enlarged plant once canceled, disaffiliation. proves lawful program expansion invidious scheme competition. buttresses conclusion reached (109 173, 176, 602, 605) diminution attributable imprudent investment8 surmise known offering hardly consistent sworn traversed, engineering department draw plans expanded make suitable use. 30 undisputed American DuMont primary affiliates birth affiliations unavailable tie broken. patent terms represented operations studio formerly occupied Bartell.9 representation made, albeit, 'about per cent hope' continue, exchange consummated. transaction ways parties' maintain operating For surely likely using smaller studio, absorbed large capital immediately, fruitful 31 sum, undertaken and, assistance, Only 'conspiracy' prohibited Act trial. 32 freely admit parts action. maintain, however, incipient Commission's '5-and-2' amendment multiple-ownership rule. By amendment, single licensee maximum theretofore allowed. hold attain objective violate 33 network, concert other, alone rise cause laws. System, 167 349. ties affiliate another Such act analogous manufacturer's exclusive distributorship dealer another. freedom choose deals preserved unilateral decision, unreasonable meaningful sense term, Packard Motor Car Webster 100 161, 243 418; Fargo Glass Paint Globe 534. 34 overcome barriers violated, theories constitute forbidden trade: (1) 'leverage power' area; (2) amounted, se, How restraints, assuming caused mystery. Regardless causation, neither 35 'leverage' complained monopolizing falls 2, revert moment. Infra, 485—486, 497—498. Apart power, violated conspiring manner Clearly, disaffiliation network's power. Having affiliation, depriving him, right, benefit exercising power indication affected assumed foresaw willing sell. unlike Corporation America, 158 F.Supp. 333, reversed, 334, 457, 354, Government enjoin, violating 1, attempt coerce selling ownership. conditioned continuation service consent willingness price. 36 point convincing differences vertical integration accomplished purchases results repeatedly presented agency consistently adhered stations, subject, course, maximum-ownership limitation, contrary interest. ABC Paramount Merger, Pike Fischer Reg. 541; Louis Telecast, 1289, 1372; National 411, 419. 37 reluctant Pictures, 334 131, 173—174, 68 915, 936—937, 92 1260; Steel 495, 525, 1107, 1123, 1533. Without suggesting authority alleviate applicant requirements laws, uniform decisions familiar field, absence restrained injury, partially purchase, basis 38 insubstantial. perhaps across country, succeeded attempt, sold equipped adapted signals well. .thus, necessarily respect viewing advertising public. Indeed, uncontrovertedly shows, ultimately succumbed too strong. patently monopolist (which included VHF), approached favor eminently correct. 39 gone length encouragement sort 'enforcement' disservice healthy observance affirm. Section provides that: 'Every contract, combination trust otherwise, commerce several foreign nations, hereby declared illegal. *' Stat. 209, amended, U.S.C. 1. person shall combine persons, deemed guilty misdemeanor (UHF) (VHF) wave lengths electrical impulses projected programs receiving sets. Prior 1952 portion spectrum authorized. Generally receivers manufactured modified UHF. conspirators Inc.; CBS—TV; J. L. Van. Volkenburg, H. K. Akerberg, Broadcasters, owners consultant. pass urged Pollar corporate divisions, autonomy each, divisions within subsidiaries. 913, 914. success initial highly prospects equipment. Compare Kennedy Silas Mason 249, 256—257, 1031, 1034, 1347 (1948); Arenas 322 419, 434, 1090, 1096, 1363 Under 15, 'Any injured action.' last cease brought. alleged, supplemental response If incumbent scheme. contradicted, tending so, much, all, incurred act, 'by laws.' reach consensual kind stretched 'conspirator.' beyond real contradiction, simply engaged undisclosed principal, So concerned, stands uncontroverted keep competitors, intentions respecting perfectly phenomenon. suggestion wanted, assertion industry VHF,' relies 489), raised during oral except hindsight inference arising years claiming powerful. takes context report infers intending venture purchase. reading question, appended petitioners' rejected primarily advantages. construction passage reflects meaning. central focused degree cost inconvenience undergone obtain eventual gain' context, programs, (i.e., WCAN), losses outset minimized. wise capitalize headstart abandon soon beginning unsuccessfully tried persuade term clause months years, that, eyes thus open, nonetheless substantial investment. One introductory clauses provided: 'WHEREAS, (petitioner) intends incidental thereto, proposes transfers hereinafter set forth; persuasive designed self-serving declaration cloak malefactions. consideration thought evidently suffice operations, while relieve necessity re-equipping

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