Banker v. Ford

Sharp patent lawyers on the lookout for good suits have during recent years found the razor industry an especially pleasing field. But the motor industry, with its many gadgets and "basic principles" always offers opportunities. Big companies are always prepared for the sudden appearance of an angry inventor in search of damages.

Last week such an inventor started suit against Ford Motor Co. The inventor was Arthur L. Banker of Banker Windshield Co. In 1907 he applied for a patent on a clear-vision windshield in which the glass was held by clamps on the ends instead of by the usual crossbar. Four years later the patent was obtained, manufacturing begun. According to Mr. Banker, Henry Ford came to see the windshield, in 1913, soon used it on his cars. Between 1925 and 1928 (when the Banker patent expired), Inventor Banker claims Mr. Ford caused him $6,000,000 actual damages. As is customary, he sued for three times the amount.

Inventor Banker's company still makes windshields, but mostly for replacements since the newer one-piece windshield is now generally used. He is at present working on non-shatterable glass for doors and windshields. As is true of many a man in the motor industry, Inventor Banker was once a famed bicycle racer. Henry Ford never did like Bankers.

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