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TLS, one page, 8.5 x 11, The Wright Company letterhead, February 24, 1912. Fascinating letter to aviator W. R. Cross, outlining requirements for holding air races using patent-infringing aircraft. In full: "Your letter of February 15th addressed to Wilbur, has been received. Wilbur has been away from the office for several weeks on legal matters. I shall, therefore, try to answer your letter for him.
We would much prefer not to license any infringing machines to fly in America, except in the Gordon Bennett. However, if it is desired to hold such a race open to infringing machines, as well as licensed machines, we will consent to a license on our usual basis of 20% of the gross sum paid to the aviators for all purposes whatsoever, such as appearance money, expenses, prize money, etc. This license could be granted only on condition that no city, where a meet has already been held, against which we have made claims for damages for infringement, is included in the circuit, until satisfactory settlement has been made with us for these past offenses." In fine condition.
The Wright brothers engaged in a series of patent battles to protect their 1906 patent for their flying machine. They filed lawsuits against competitors, including Glenn Curtiss, who challenged their claims by developing similar aircraft. In this letter, the Wright Brothers, embroiled in legal battles to protect their invention, make some concessions to support the furtherance of aviation by allowing patent-infringing aircraft to participate in American air race competitions. However, for fear of some legal maneuvering by the defendants in pending cases, the Wrights restrict such races only to cities where they have no legal case in progress. The disputes, which lasted years, hindered collaboration and innovation in early aviation. Ultimately, the U.S. government intervened during World War I, urging companies to form a patent pool to resolve the conflicts and focus on aircraft production for the war effort.
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