Patton v. Mid-Continent Systems, Inc.
United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit
841 F.2d 742 (1988)
- Written by Denise McGimsey, JD
Facts
Patton and a fellow truck-stop owner (plaintiffs) became franchisees of Mid-Continent Systems, Inc. (Mid-Continent) (defendant). Pursuant to their agreement, Mid-Continent awarded plaintiffs the right within an exclusive territory to accept Mid-Continent’s credit cards for purchases at plaintiffs’ truck stops. Mid-Continent later awarded other franchises to truck stops within plaintiffs’ exclusive territory, the extent of which territory was ambiguously described in the contract. Despite receiving notice, year after year, by plaintiffs of Mid-Continent’s violation, Mid-Continent did not remedy the situation. Plaintiffs sued Mid-Continent for breach of contract. A jury issued a verdict in favor of plaintiffs and awarded them compensatory and punitive damages. Mid-Continent appealed.
Rule of Law
Issue
Holding and Reasoning (Posner, C.J.)
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