Colognino v. United States

How later courts describe this case

• holding that where the intent of the parties was to enter into a contract for the use of a trade secret in return for the payment of royalties, the obligation to pay royalties would continue as long as the formula was used since the parties did not specify otherwise
• absolute privilege applies to parents' communication with school board which is intended to prompt official action by board regarding school administrator's conduct
• volunteered letter that initiated official inquiry privileged as “communication preliminary to a proceeding”
• precise instructions obviated spillover effect