In Re the Select-A-Seat Corp., an Arizona Corp., Debtors. Fenix Cattle Co. v. Warren M. Silver, Tr., 625 F.2d 290 (9th Cir. 1980). · Go Syfert
In Re the Select-A-Seat Corp., an Arizona Corp., Debtors. Fenix Cattle Co. v. Warren M. Silver, Tr., 625 F.2d 290 (9th Cir. 1980). Cases Citing This Book View Copy Cite
“because of the exclusive nature of the license which fenix received, select-a-seat was under a continuing obligation not to sell its software packages to other parties.”
79 citation events (13 in the last 25 years) across 30 distinct courts.
Strongest positive: Lewis Brothers Bakeries Inc. v. Interstate Brands Corp. (In Re Interstate Bakeries Corp.) (ca8, 2014-06-06)
Treatment trajectory · 1981 → 2026 · click a year to view as-of
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Top citers, strongest first. 44 distinct citers. How cited ↗
discussed Cited as authority (verbatim quote) Lewis Brothers Bakeries Inc. v. Interstate Brands Corp. (In Re Interstate Bakeries Corp.) (2×) also: Cited "see"
8th Cir. · 2014 · signal: see · quote attribution · 1 verbatim quote · confidence high
because of the exclusive nature of the license which fenix received, select-a-seat was under a continuing obligation not to sell its software packages to other parties.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) In re Hertz
Bankr. C.D. Cal. · 2015 · confidence medium
Co. v. Texscan Corp. (In re Texscan Corp.), 976 F.2d 1269, 1271-72 (9th Cir.1992); Hall v. Perry (In re Cochise College Park, Inc.), 703 F.2d 1339, 1348 (9th Cir.1983); Collingwood Grain, Inc. v. Coast Trading Co., Inc. (In re Coast Trading Co.), 744 F.2d 686, 692 (9th Cir.1984); Fenix Cattle Co. v. Silver (In re Select-A-Seat Corp.), 625 F.2d 290, 292 (9th Cir.1980) (per curiam).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Imperial Credit v. Fdic
9th Cir. · 2008 · confidence medium
The district court instead held that the FDIC’s claim was entitled to administrative priority under § 507(a)(2), which allows second priority to “administrative expenses” including the “actual, necessary costs and expenses of preserving the estate.” 11 U.S.C. §§ 507 (a)(2), 503(b)(1).17 It found that Imperial’s failure to cure its deficit to the FDIC was equiva- lent to an obligation arising from an executory contract, defined in the bankruptcy context as a contract in which “the obligations of both the bankrupt and the other party to the contract are so far unperformed that t…
discussed Cited as authority (rule) In Re Imperial Credit Industries, Inc.
9th Cir. · 2008 · confidence medium
The district court instead held that the FDIC’s claim was entitled to administrative priority under § 507(a)(2), which allows second priority to “administrative expenses” including the “actual, necessary costs and expenses of preserving the estate.” 11 U.S.C. §§ 507 (a)(2), 503(b)(1). 17 It found that Imperial’s failure to cure its deficit to the FDIC was equivalent to an obligation arising from an executory contract, defined in the bankruptcy context as a contract in which “the obligations of both the bankrupt and the other party to the contract are so far unperformed that th…
discussed Cited as authority (rule) In Re Exide Technologies
Bankr. D. Del. · 2006 · confidence medium
See, e.g., Otto Preminger Films, Ltd. v. Qintex Entertainment, Inc. (In re Qintex Entertainment, Inc.), 950 F.2d 1492, 1496 (9th Cir.1991) (holding that the licensor’s duty to refrain from selling the rights to subdistri-bute movies to third parties was a significant obligation); Fenix Cattle Co. v. Silver (In re The Select-A-Seat Corp.), 625 F.2d 290, 292 (9th Cir.1980) (holding that because of the exclusive nature of the license which the licensee received, the licensor was under a continuing obligation not to sell its software packages to third parties).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Movitz v. Fiesta Investments, LLC (In Re Ehmann)
Bankr. D. Ariz. · 2005 · confidence medium
Violation of this obligation would be a materi *205 al breach of the licensing agreement.” Fenix Cattle Co. v. Silver (In re Select-A-Seat Corp.), 625 F.2d 290, 292 (9th Cir.1980)(decided under the prior Bankruptcy Act).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Zurich American Insurance v. International Fibercom, Inc. (In Re International Fibercom, Inc.)
Bankr. D. Ariz. · 2004 · confidence medium
Express, Inc., 780 F.2d 1482, 1487 (9th Cir.1986)(a contract is executory when the obligations "of both the bankrupt and the other party to the contract are so far unperformed that the failure of either to complete performance would constitute a material breach excusing the performance of the oth *866 er.”)(citing In re Select-A-Seat Corp., 625 F.2d 290, 292 (9th Cir.1980) and Vern Countryman, Executory Contracts in Bankruptcy: Part I, 57 Minn. L.Rev. 439, 460 (1973)). 10 .
discussed Cited as authority (rule) In Re Bryant Universal Roofing, Inc. (2×)
Bankr. D. Ariz. · 1998 · confidence medium
The first question, therefore, is whether an executory contract existed at the time Debtor filed for bankruptcy- A contract is executory if the “obligations of both the bankrupt and the other party to the contract are so far unperformed [at the time of filing] that the failure of either to complete performance would constitute a material breach excusing performance of the other.” Collingwood Grain, Inc. v. Coast Trading Co., Inc. 744 F.2d 686, 692 (9th Cir.1984) (quoting In re Select-A-Seat Corp., 625 F.2d 290, 292 (9th Cir.1980)).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Andrews v. Riggs Natl Bank
4th Cir. · 1996 · confidence medium
We followed Fenix Cattle Co. v. Silver (In Re: Select-A-Seat Corp.), 625 F.2d 290, 292 (9th Cir. 1980), for its hold- ing that "an obligation of a debtor to refrain from selling software packages under an exclusive licensing agreement made a contract executory as to the debtor notwithstanding the continuing obligation was only one of forbearance." 756 F.2d at 1045-46 .
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Andrews v. Riggs National Bank (In re Andrews)
4th Cir. · 1996 · confidence medium
We followed Fenix Cattle Co. v. Silver (In Re: Select-A-Seat Corp.), 625 F.2d 290, 292 (9th Cir.1980), for its holding that “an obligation of a debtor to refrain from selling software packages under an exclusive licensing agreement made a contract executory as to the debtor notwithstanding the continuing obligation was only one of forbearance.” 756 F.2d at 1045-46 .
discussed Cited as authority (rule) In Re John A. Andrews, Debtor. John A. Andrews v. The Riggs National Bank of Washington, D.C., Claimant-Appellee, Richard G. Hall, Trustee-Appellee v. First American Bank of Virginia
1st Cir. · 1996 · confidence medium
We followed Fenix Cattle Co. v. Silver (In Re: Select-A-Seat Corp.), 625 F.2d 290, 292 (9th Cir.1980), for its holding that "an obligation of a debtor to refrain from selling software packages under an exclusive licensing agreement made a contract executory as to the debtor notwithstanding the continuing obligation was only one of forbearance." 756 F.2d at 1045-46 .
discussed Cited as authority (rule) In Re Crummie
Bankr. N.D. Cal. · 1996 · confidence medium
Marcus & Millichap Inc. v. Munple, Ltd (In re Munple), 868 F.2d 1129 , 1130 (9th Cir.1989); accord Griffel v. Murphy (In re Wegner), 839 F.2d 533, 536 (9th Cir.1988); Pacific Express Inc. v. Teknekron Infoswitch Corp. (In re Pacific Express), 780 F.2d 1482, 1487 (9th Cir.1986) (employing the definition of an executory contract formulated by Professor Countryman in Executory Contracts in Bankruptcy: Part I, 57 Minn. L.Rev. 439, 460 (1973); Fenix Cattle Co. v. Silver (In re Select-A-Seat), 625 F.2d 290, 292 (9th Cir.1980).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) In Re 375 Park Avenue Associates, Inc.
Bankr. S.D.N.Y. · 1995 · confidence medium
Co., 855 F.2d 1054, 1060 (3d Cir.1988); In re Speck, 798 F.2d 279, 279-80 (8th Cir.1986); In re Pacific Express, Inc., 780 F.2d 1482, 1487 (9th Cir.1986); Lubrizol Enterprises, Inc. v. Richmond Metal Finishers, 756 F.2d 1043, 1045 (4th Cir.1985), cert denied, 475 U.S. 1057 , 106 S.Ct. 1285 , 89 L.Ed.2d 592 (1986); In re Select-A-Seat Corp., 625 F.2d 290, 292 (9th Cir.1980); see also, In re Atlantic Computer Systems, Inc., 173 B.R. 858 (S.D.N.Y.1994).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Andrews v. Hall (In Re Andrews)
Bankr. E.D. Va. · 1993 · confidence medium
The court ruled that: The unperformed, continuing core obligations of notice and forbearance in licensing made the contract executory as to ... [the debtor]_ In Fenix Cattle Co. v. Silver (In re Select-A-Seat Corp.), 625 F.2d 290, 292 (9th Cir.1980), the court found that an obligation of a debtor to refrain from selling software packages under an exclusive licensing agreement made a contract executory as to the debtor notwithstanding the continuing obligation was only one of forbearance.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) In Re Texscan Corporation, Debtor. Commercial Union Insurance Company v. Texscan Corporation
9th Cir. · 1992 · confidence medium
Marcus & Millichap Inc. v. Munple, Ltd (In re Munple), 868 F.2d 1129 , 1130 (9th Cir.1989); accord Griffel v. Murphy (In re Wegner), 839 F.2d 533, 536 (9th Cir.1988); Pacific Express Inc. v. Teknekron Infoswitch Corp. (In re Pacific Express), 780 F.2d 1482, 1487 (9th Cir.1986) (employing the definition of an executory contract formulated by Professor Countryman in Executory Contracts in Bankruptcy: Part I, 57 Minn.L.Rev. 439, 460 (1973)); Fenix Cattle Co. v. Silver (In re Select-A-Seat), 625 F.2d 290, 292 (9th Cir.1980).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Huntington National Bank Co. v. Alix (In Re Cardinal Industries, Inc.)
Bankr. S.D. Ohio · 1992 · confidence medium
For other circuits adopting this definition see Streets, 882 F.2d at 235 ; Sharon Steel Corp. v. National Fuel Gas Distribution Corp., 872 F.2d 36, 39 (3rd Cir.1989) ("courts have generally relied on” the Countryman definition); Speck v. The First National Bank of Sioux Falls (In re Speck), 798 F.2d 279 (8th Cir.1986); Draper v. Draper, 790 F.2d 52, 54 (8th Cir.1986); Lubrizol Enterprises, Inc. v. Richmond Metal Finishers, Inc. (In re Richmond Metal Finishers, Inc.), 756 F.2d 1043 (4th Cir.1985), cert. den., 475 U.S. *727 1057, 106 S.Ct. 1285 , 89 L.Ed.2d 592 (1986); Gloria Manufacturing Cor…
discussed Cited as authority (rule) University of Connecticut Research & Development Corp. v. Germain (In Re Biopolymers, Inc.)
Bankr. D. Conn. · 1992 · confidence medium
The court favorably cited In re Select-A-Seat Corp., 625 F.2d 290, 292 (9th Cir.1980) for its holding that “an obligation of a debtor to refrain from selling software packages under an exclusive licensing agreement made a contract executory as to the debtor notwithstanding the continuing obligation was only one of forbearance.” Lubrizol, 756 F.2d at 1045-1046 .
cited Cited as authority (rule) Otto Preminger Films, Ltd. v. Qintex Entertainment, Inc. (In re Qintex Entertainment, Inc.)
9th Cir. · 1991 · confidence medium
In re Select-A-Seat Corp., 625 F.2d 290, 292 (9th Cir.1980).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) South Chicago Disposal, Inc. v. LTV Steel Co. (In Re Chateaugay Corp.)
S.D.N.Y. · 1991 · confidence medium
Co., 855 F.2d 1054, 1060 (3d Cir.1988); In re Speck, 798 F.2d 279, 279-80 (8th Cir.1986); In re Pacific Express, Inc., 780 F.2d 1482, 1487 (9th Cir.1986); Lubrizol Enterprises, Inc. v. Richmond Metal Finishers, 756 F.2d 1043, 1045 (4th Cir.1985), cert. denied, 475 U.S. 1057 , 106 S.Ct. 1285 , 89 L.Ed.2d 592 (1986); In re Select-A-Seat Corp., 625 F.2d 290, 292 (9th Cir.1980); In re Jolly, 574 F.2d 349, 351 (6th Cir.), cert. denied, 439 U.S. 929 , 99 S.Ct. 316 , 58 L.Ed.2d 322 (1978) (applying “functional definition” of executory contract based upon underlying purpose of § 365 of enhancing …
cited Cited as authority (rule) In Re William Terrell and Tammy Terrell, Debtors. William Terrell and Tammy Terrell v. Eugene Albaugh, United States of America, Intervenor
6th Cir. · 1989 · confidence medium
In re Select-A-Seat Corp., 625 F.2d 290, 292 (9th Cir.1980) (per curiam) (quoting Jenson v. Continental Fin.
cited Cited as authority (rule) City of Phoenix v. A.J. Bayless Markets, Inc. (In Re A.J. Bayless Markets, Inc.)
Bankr. D. Ariz. · 1989 · confidence medium
Lubrizol Enterprises v. Richmond Metal Finishers, 756 F.2d 1043, 1045 (4th Cir.1985); In re Select-a-Seat Corp., 625 F.2d 290, 292 (9th Cir.1980).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) In Re Learning Publications, Inc.
Bankr. M.D. Fla. · 1988 · confidence medium
See also, Countryman, Executory Contracts in Bankruptcy: Part I, first pub *765 lished by the Minnesota Law Review, 57 Minn.L.Rev. 439, 460 (1973); Benevides v. Alexander (In re Alexander), 670 F.2d 885, 887 (9th Cir.1982); Fénix Cattle Company v. Silver (In re Select-A-Seat Corporation, 625 F.2d 290, 292 (9th Cir.1980); Northwest Airlines, Inc. v. Klinger (In re Knutson), 563 F.2d 916, 917 (8th Cir.1977).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) In Re Stein and Day Inc.
Bankr. S.D.N.Y. · 1988 · confidence medium
Countryman, Executory Contracts in Bankruptcy: Part I, 57 Minn.L.Rev. 439, 460 (1973) cited in Benevides v. Alexander (In re Alexander), 670 F.2d 885, 887 (9th Cir.1982); Fenix Cattle Company v. Silver (In re Select-A-Seat Corporation), 625 F.2d 290, 292 (9th Cir.1980); Northwest Airlines, Inc. v. Klinger (In re Knutson), 563 F.2d 916, 917 (8th Cir.1977).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) In Re Texaco Inc.
Bankr. S.D.N.Y. · 1987 · confidence medium
Countryman, Executory Contracts in Bankruptcy: Part I, 57 Minn.L.Rev. 439, 460 (1973); cited in Benevides v. Alexander (In re Alexander), 670 F.2d 885, 887 (9th Cir.1982); Fenix Cattle Company v. Silver (In re Select-A-Seat Corporation), 625 F.2d 290, 292 (9th Cir.1980); Northwest Airlines, Inc., v. Klinger (In re Knutson), 563 F.2d 916, 917 (8th Cir.1977).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Bankr. L. Rep. P 71,566 in Re Fred Herbert, Debtor. Atlantic Richfield Company v. Fred Herbert
9th Cir. · 1986 · confidence medium
See In re Cochise College Park, Inc., 703 F.2d 1339, 1348 (9th Cir.1983); In re Select-A-Seat Corp., 625 F.2d 290, 292 (9th Cir.1980) (per curiam).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Pacific Express, Inc. v. Teknekron Infoswitch Corp.
9th Cir. · 1986 · confidence medium
In re Cochise College Park, supra, 703 F.2d at 1348 ; In re Coast Trading Co., 744 F.2d 686 , 692 (9th Cir.1984); In re Alexander, 670 F.2d 885, 887 (9th Cir.1982); In re Select-a-Seat Corp., 625 F.2d 290, 292 (9th Cir.1980) (per curiam).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) In Re Pacific Express, Inc.
9th Cir. · 1986 · confidence medium
In re Cochise College Park, supra, 703 F.2d at 1348 ; In re Coast Trading Co., 744 F.2d 686 , 692 (9th Cir.1984); In re Alexander, 670 F.2d 885, 887 (9th Cir.1982); In re Select-a-Seat Corp., 625 F.2d 290, 292 (9th Cir.1980) (per curiam).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) In Re Chipwich, Inc.
Bankr. S.D.N.Y. · 1985 · confidence medium
Countryman, Executory Contracts in Bankruptcy: Part I, 57 Minn.L.Rev. 439, 460 (1973), cited in Benevides v. Alexander (In re Alexander), 670 F.2d 885, 887 (9th Cir.1982); Fenix Cattle Company v. Silver (In re Select-A-Seat Corporation), 625 F.2d 290, 292 (9th Cir.1980); Northwest Airlines, Inc., v. Klinger (In re Knutson), 563 F.2d 916, 917 (8th Cir.1977).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Lubrizol Enterprises, Inc. v. Richmond Metal Finishers, Inc., in Re Richmond Metal Finishers, Inc., Debtor (2×) also: Cited "see"
4th Cir. · 1985 · confidence medium
In Fenix Cattle Co. v. Silver (In re Select-A-Seat Corp.), 625 F.2d 290, 292 (9th Cir.1980), the court found that an obligation of a debtor to refrain from selling software packages under an exclusive licensing agreement made a contract executory as to the debtor notwithstanding the continuing *1046 obligation was only one of forbearance.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) In Re Coast Trading Company, Inc.
9th Cir. · 1984 · confidence medium
Obligations under contracts which are executory at the time bankruptcy is filed are payable as an administrative expense priority when the executory contract has been assumed properly by the bankrupt. 23 For the purposes of the Bankruptcy Act, an executory contract is one "under which the obligations of both the bankrupt and the other party to the contract are so far unperformed [at the time of filing] that the failure of either to complete performance would constitute a material breach excusing the performance of the other." In re Select-A-Seat Corp., 625 F.2d 290, 292 (9th Cir.1980) (citatio…
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Collingwood Grain, Inc. v. Coast Trading Co.
9th Cir. · 1984 · confidence medium
For the purposes of the Bankruptcy Act, an executory contract is one “under which the obligations of both the bankrupt and the other party to the contract are so far unperformed [at the time of filing] that the failure of either to complete performance would constitute a material breach excusing the performance of the other.” In re Select-A-Seat Cory., 625 F.2d 290, 292 (9th Cir.1980) (citation omitted); accord In re Cochise College Park, Inc., 703 F.2d 1339, 1348 (9th Cir.1983).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Matter of KMMCO, Inc.
E.D. Mich. · 1984 · confidence medium
In re Cochise College Park, Inc., 703 F.2d 1339, 1348 (9th Cir.1983); In re Select-A-Car Corp., 625 F.2d 290, 292 (9th Cir.1980); Jenson v. Continental Financial Corp., 591 F.2d 477, 481 (8th Cir.1979).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) In Re Cochise College Park, Inc. (2×)
9th Cir. · 1983 · confidence medium
We reject that argument. 24 An "executory" contract under the Act is one: 25 under which the obligations of both the bankrupt and the other party to the contract are so far unperformed [at the moment of filing] that the failure of either to complete performance would constitute a material breach excusing the performance of the other. 26 In re Select-A-Seat Corp., 625 F.2d 290, 292 (9th Cir.1980) (per curiam) (quoting from Jenson v. Continental Financial Corp., 591 F.2d 477, 481 (8th Cir.1979). 4 27 Under this standard, the answers to interrogatories and affidavits raise a material issue of fac…
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Hall v. Perry (2×)
9th Cir. · 1983 · confidence medium
In re Select-A-Seat Corp., 625 F.2d 290, 292 (9th Cir.1980) (per curiam) (quoting from Jenson v. Continental Financial Corp., 591 F.2d 477, 481 (8th Cir.1979). 4 Under this standard, the answers to interrogatories and affidavits raise a material issue of fact as to whether some if not all of the contracts between Cochise and the purchasers constituted executory contracts upon June 5, 1972, the date of the filing.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) In Re Thc Financial Corp.
9th Cir. · 1982 · confidence medium
This court has held that contracts can be treated as executory in bankruptcy if " 'the obligations of both the bankrupt and the other party are so far unperformed that the failure of either to complete performance would constitute a material breach excusing the performance of the other.' " Fenix Cattle Co. v. Silver (In re Select-A-Seat Corp.), 625 F.2d 290, 292 (9th Cir. 1980) (quoting V.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Employees' Retirement System of Hawaii v. Osborne
9th Cir. · 1982 · confidence medium
This court has held that contracts can be treated as executory in bankruptcy if “ ‘the obligations of both the bankrupt and the other party are so far unperformed that the failure of either to complete performance would constitute a material breach excusing the performance of the other.’ ” Fenix Cattle Co. v. Silver (In re Select-A-Seat Corp.), 625 F.2d 290, 292 (9th Cir. 1980) (quoting V.
discussed Cited "see" Joseph v. Dillard's, Inc.
9th Cir. · 2005 · signal: see · confidence high
See Fenix Cattle Co. v. Silver (In re Select-a-Seat Corp.), 625 F.2d 290, 292 (9th Cir.1980); see also In re Allegheny Imaging Inst., 69 B.R. 932, 935-36 (Bankr.W.D.Pa.1987); cf. Restatement (Second) of Contracts § 241 (1981).
discussed Cited "see" In Re Financial News Network Inc.
Bankr. S.D.N.Y. · 1991 · signal: see · confidence high
See In re Select-A-Seat, 625 F.2d 290 (9th Cir.1980); In re Gamma Fishing Co. Inc., 70 B.R. 949 (Bankr.S.D.Cal.1987); Sckondorf v. Colin, 58 B.R. 1014 (D.N.J.1986) (employment contract held to be executory).
cited Cited "see" Monarch Tool & Mfg. Co. v. Monarch Product Sales Corp. (In Re Monarch Tool & Mfg. Co.)
Bankr. S.D. Ohio · 1990 · signal: see · confidence high
See In re Select-A-Seat Corp., 625 F.2d 290, 292 (9th Cir.1980) (definition adopted); In re Terrell, 892 F.2d 469, 471, n. 2 (6th Cir.1989) (definition cited with approval).
cited Cited "see" In Re Richmond Metal Finishers, Inc.
Bankr. E.D. Va. · 1983 · signal: see · confidence high
See id.
discussed Cited "see" In Re Fashion Two Twenty, Inc.
Bankr. N.D. Ohio · 1982 · signal: see · confidence high
See Fenix Cattle Co. v. Silver (In re Select-a-Seat Corp.), 625 F.2d 290 , (9th Cir. 1980), Burger King Corp. v. Rovine Corp. (In re Rovine Corp.), 6 B.R. 661 , (Bkrtcy.W.D.Tenn.W.D.1980), and In re Sun Ray Bakery, Inc., 5 B.R. 670 , (Bkrtcy.D.Mass.1980).
discussed Cited "see, e.g." McAllester v. Aldridge (In Re Anderson)
M.D. Tenn. · 1983 · signal: see also · confidence medium
See also Fenix Cattle Co. v. Silver (In re Select-A-Seat Corp.), 625 F.2d 290, 292 (9th Cir. 1980); In re California Steel Co., 24 B.R. 185, 197 (Bkrtcy.N.D.Ill.1982); In the Matter of North American Dealer Group, Inc., 16 B.R. 996, 1000 (Bkrtcy.E.D.N.Y.1982); Burger King Corp. v. Rovine Corp., 6 B.R. 661, 664 (Bkrtcy.W.D.Tenn.1980).
cited Cited "see, e.g." Skeen v. Harms (In Re Harms)
Bankr.D. Colo. · 1981 · signal: see also · confidence low
See also, In re Select-A-Seat Corp., 625 F.2d 290 (9th Cir. 1980).
Retrieving the full opinion text from the archive…
In Re the SELECT-A-SEAT CORPORATION, an Arizona Corporation, Debtors. FENIX CATTLE COMPANY, Appellant,
v.
Warren M. SILVER, Trustee, Appellee
George McLachlan, Johnson, McLachlan & Dicola, Lamar, Colo., on briefs, for appellant., Arne M. Rovick, Evans, Kitchel & Jenckes, P. C., Phoenix, Ariz., for appellee.
Chambers, Goodwin, Orrick, Per Curiam.
Cited by 61 opinions  |  Published
PER CURIAM.

Fénix Cattle Company (Fénix) appeals the district court’s judgment affirming a bankruptcy judge’s order which permitted the trustee of the bankrupt, The Select-A-Seat Corporation, to reject an executory contract between Fénix and Select-A-Seat. We find that the bankruptcy court properly acted within its summary jurisdiction in sustaining the trustee’s action and affirm.

Select-A-Seat engaged in the development and marketing of computer software packages which facilitated remote outlet sales of tickets for athletic and entertainment events. On November 10, 1976, Select-A-Seat, through Lee R. Delay, its president, entered into a “Worldwide Licensing Agreement” with Fénix, a company Mr. Delay also controlled. Under this agreement, Fénix received exclusive rights to use and license Select-A-Seat’s software packages in all but five areas of the world which had been previously allocated to Select-A-Seat subsidiaries and others. As part of the agreement, Select-A-Seat also agreed not to provide the software to other parties for an initial period of ten years, and for five optional extensions of five years each. The agreement also provided warranties of title and of continued fitness of purpose. Fénix agreed to pay Select-A-Seat $140,000 down plus five percent of its annual net income from use of the software licenses. Select-A-Seat subsequently transferred the software packages with service manuals to Fé-nix, and Fénix paid the $140,000 flat fee.

On December 3, 1976, petitioning creditors initiated an involuntary Chapter X proceeding against Select-A-Seat. The proceeding was later converted by stipulation to a Chapter XI proceeding and, on May 24, 1977, was converted back to a Chapter X proceeding. On May 19,1977, while Select-A-Seat was still the object of Chapter XI proceedings, Warren Silver, the corporation’s receiver (now trustee), filed a motion pursuant to Bankruptcy Rule 11-53 for rejection of the corporation’s contract with Fénix. [1] The bankruptcy court, after finding that it had summary jurisdiction to consider the trustee’s motion under § 116(1) of the Bankruptcy Act of 1898, 11 U.S.C. § 516(1), [2] held that the agreement between Fénix and Select-A-Seat was a burdensome executory contract within the meaning of that section and granted the trustee’s motion. The bankruptcy court further found that Fénix, as a creditor of Select-A-Seat, could file a proof of claim for damages, if any, resulting from rejection of the contract under § 202 of the old Bankruptcy Act. 11 U.S.C. § 602. [3] The district court subse[*292] quently affirmed the bankruptcy judge’s actions.

Fénix raises three principal arguments on appeal. First, the bankruptcy court lacked jurisdiction to consider the trustee’s motion because the agreement between Select-A-Seat and Fénix was not an “executory contract” within the meaning of 11 U.S.C. § 516. Second, under the licensing agreement, Fénix had acquired a property interest in the software packages which the bankruptcy court could not recover through an exercise of summary jurisdiction. Finally, even if the licensing agreement was executory, the bankruptcy court erred in permitting its rejection because the contract was not burdensome to the bankrupt’s estate.

A bankruptcy court may, under 11 U.S.C. § 516, reject “executory contracts of the debtor . . . upon notice to the parties to such contracts and to such other parties in interest as the judge may designate.” The term “executory contract” is defined neither in § 516 nor in Bankruptcy Rules 10-606 and 11-53. However, case law and commentary discussing the trustee’s power to reject under the old Bankruptcy Act defined executory contracts as those “under which the obligations of both the bankrupt and the other party to the contract are so far unperformed that the failure of either to complete performance would constitute a material breach excusing the performance of the other.” See Jenson v. Continental Financial Corp., 591 F.2d 477, 481 (8th Cir. 1979); Countryman, “Executory Contracts in Bankruptcy: Part I”, 57 Minn.L.Rev. 439, 460 (1973). Cf. 2 L. King, Collier on Bankruptcy ¶ 365.02 (15th ed. 1979) (referring to meaning of executory contract in 11 U.S.C. § 365).

We adopt this definition and find that it applies to the contract at issue here. Fénix argues that the contract was no longer executory because it had received license rights to the software packages upon payment of the initial $140,000 fee. However, payment of the $140,000 did not represent full consideration for Select-A-Seat’s performance. Fénix was also obligated to pay Select-A-Seat five percent of its annual net return from use of the software. If Fénix failed to make these annual payments, that failure would constitute a material breach of the contract, justifying revocation of the exclusive license. Conversely, the agreement was executory from Select-A-Seat’s perspective. Because of the exclusive nature of the license which Fénix received, Select-A-Seat was under a continuing obligation not to sell its software packages to other parties. Violation of this obligation would be a material breach of the licensing agreement. Cf. In re American Magnesium Co., 488 F.2d 147, 152 (5th Cir. 1974) (agreement to refrain from action is executory). The licensing agreement was executory; accordingly, the bankruptcy court properly considered the trustee’s motion.

Fénix next contends that the bankruptcy court, by granting the trustee’s motion, acted to set aside a transfer of property, thereby exceeding its summary jurisdiction. The essence of Fenix’s argument is that the exclusive licensing rights, once transferred, became intangible property in Fenix’s possession. Rejection of the licensing agreement, Fénix reasons, allows Select-A-Seat to sell the computer packages to other licensees, depriving Fénix of its exclusive property interests. Fénix argues that the bankruptcy court could not summarily recover this property; any adjudication affecting the exclusivity of the license must be plenary. See Cline v. Kaplan, 323 U.S. 97, 98-99, 65 S.Ct. 155, 156, 89 L.Ed. 97 (1944); In re American National Trust, 426 F.2d 1059, 1065 (7th Cir. 1970).

We find these arguments unpersuasive. The trustee did not seek to recover the tangible property transferred to Fénix, the software packages and accompanying service manuals. Nor did the trustee attempt to revoke Fenix’s license; Fénix may still use and sell the computer materials it received from Select-A-Seat. The trustee merely sought to reject the executory portions of the contract, the continuing warranty and exclusive dealing obligations. These obligations are analogous to executo-ry covenants in leases to provide heat or[*293] electricity; the lease (here, the license) cannot be summarily terminated, but rejection can cancel covenants requiring future performances by the debtor. See 2 L. King, Collier on Bankruptcy ¶ 365.09 (15th ed. 1979). If Fénix has been injured by the rejection of the executory portions of the licensing agreement, it may file a claim for its damages as a creditor of the estate.

Fénix finally contends that the bankruptcy court erred in permitting rejection of the licensing agreement because the contract was not burdensome to the bankrupt estate. The bankruptcy court specifically found that the licensing agreement was burdensome, and the district court affirmed this finding. From our review of the record, we cannot characterize the bankruptcy court's finding as clearly erroneous. Rules Bankr.Proc. Rule 810, 11 U.S.C.

Affirmed.

1

.Rule 11-53 of the Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure reads as follows:

“When a motion is made for the rejection of an executory contract, including an unexpired lease, other than as part of the plan, the court shall set a hearing on notice to the parties to the contract and to such other persons as the court may direct.”

When the bankruptcy proceedings were converted from Chapter XI to Chapter X proceedings, the bankruptcy court construed the receiver’s motion as having been made under Bankruptcy Rule 10-606, whose language mirrors that of Rule 11-53.

2

. This case arose prior to the Bankruptcy Reform Act of 1978, 11 U.S.C. § 101, et seq. Thus, all references are to the Bankruptcy Act of July 1, 1898, as revised by the Chandler Act of June 22, 1938.

3

. 11 U.S.C. § 602 reads, in relevant part, as follows:

“In case an executory contract shall be rejected pursuant to the provisions of a plan or to the permission of the court given in a proceeding under this chapter, or shall have been rejected by a trustee or receiver in bankruptcy or receiver in equity in a prior pending proceeding, any person injured by such rejection shall, for the purposes of this chapter and of the plan, its acceptance and confirmation, be deemed a creditor.”