In Desny v. Wilder, what concept is illustrated regarding implied contracts?

• A. Implied in fact exists when a meeting implies compensation for an idea based on a business concept.
• B. Implied in law arises from fairness regardless of intent.
• C. The case concluded there is no implied contract.
• D. Only written contracts can enforce compensation.

Answer: (A)

Desny v. Wilder illustrates how an agreement can arise from the parties’ conduct and the surrounding circumstances, even without a written contract. This is the implied-in-fact category: the contract is inferred from what the parties did and the reasonable expectations created by a meeting where an idea is discussed and compensation is contemplated if it’s used. It’s distinct from implied-in-law (quasi-contract), which rests on fairness and preventing unjust enrichment regardless of the parties’ intent. In this case, the meeting and discussion about an idea with an expectation of payment fit the implied-in-fact framework, making that idea the best description of what the case demonstrates. The other statements either describe a quasi-contract, deny the existence of any implied contract, or wrongly limit enforceable agreements to written contracts.