We touched on the Selden patent on a few threads and I intended to post this then (but forgot ). I'm by no means a Selden Suit "expert", so please add any information or insights.
I thought the way the cost of the suit (to Ford Motor Company) was presented in a smart way in the financial report. This is the Fiscal Year 1904 financial report, and the cost of the suit is divided per car sold, for a total of $6.81 per car. I believe the "fee" charged was 5% of retail when for "Licensed Members". If so, the cost of litigation is much less (as long as Ford doesn't lose).
courtesy The Henry Ford, Acc 511, folder 1903-1911
In this 1907 news article, Henry Ford "rails" against the ALAM, co owners of the Selden Patent:
One thing about it, Henry Ford kept busy. At this point, Ford Motor Company is the largest producer of autos in the world. Henry Ford is working on a farm tractor, manufacturing runabout Models N and R, along with Model K touring s and roadsters, re designing the six cylinder racer, and probably beginning design work for the future Model T. And fighting the A.L.A.M.
Hope you all had a good Thanksgiving,
Rob
Thanks, Rob. This stuff is very interesting.
I wonder why sales tanked in July and August?
Happy Thanksgiving to you, too.
Dave,
I've read April/May/June were the big sales months. I think cars were thought of as primarily a summer item. And with technology and models changing so quickly few wanted to buy in late summer only to have an obsolete model by the next year.
Rob