SPECTRUM SPORTS, INC., ET AL., PETITIONERS v. SHIRLEY McQUILLAN, ET VIR, DBA SORBOTURF ENTERPRISES, 506 U.S. 447

Summary

The judgment holding that defendants were liable for attempted monopolization under the Sherman Act, 15 U.S.C.S. § 2, was reversed absent proof of a dangerous probability that defendants would monopolize a particular market and a specific intent to monopolize. Defendants held the patent to a polymer material used in athletic and equestrian products. Plaintiff distributor refused to sell its right to develop athletic products from the material in order to retain its rights to manufacture equestrian products. Defendants appointed another distributor. Plaintiff brought suit, claming antitrust and state violations. The trial court found defendants liable for attempted monopolization and denied their motions for judgment notwithstanding the verdict and for a new trial. The appellate court affirmed. Defendants appealed, claiming that plaintiffs failed to prove the elements of attempted monopolization. The Supreme Court reversed, holding the trial court erred in finding evidence of unfair or ...