from
Bouvier's Law Dictionary, Revised 6th Ed (1856)
GOOD WILL. By this term is meant the benefit which arises from the
establishment of particular trades or occupations. Mr. Justice Story
describes a good will to be the advantage of benefit which is acquired by an
establishment, beyond the mere value of the capital, stocks, funds, or
property employed therein, in consequence of the general public patronage
and encouragement, which it receives from constant or habitual customers, on
account of its local position, or common celebrity, or reputation for skill
or affluence, or punctuality, or from other accidental circumstances or
necessities, or even from ancient partialities, or prejudices. Story, Partn.
Sec. 99; see 17 Ves. 336; 1 Hoffm. R. 68; 16 Am. Jur. 87.
2. As between partners, it has been held that the good will of a
partnership trade survives; 6 Ves. 539; but this appears to be doubtful; 16
Ves. 227; and a distinction, in this respect, has been suggested between
commercial and professional partnerships; the advantages of established
connexions in the latter being held to survive, unless the benefit is
excluded by positive stipulation. 3 Madd. 79. As to the sale, of the good-
will of a trade or business, see. 3 Meriv. 452; 1 Jac. & Walk. 689; 2
Swanst. 332; 1 Ves. & Beames, 505; 17 Ves. 346; 2 Madd. 220; Gow on Partn.
428; Collyer on Partn. 172, note; 2 B. & Adolph. 341; 4 Id. 592, 596; 1
Rose, 123; 5 Russ. 29; 2 Watts, 111; 1 Chit. Pr. 868; 1 Sim. & Stu. 74; 2
Russ. R. 170; 1 Jac. & W. 380; 1 Russ. R. 376; 1 P. & W. 184; 2 Mad. R. 198;
l T. R. 118. Vide 5 Bos. & Pull. 67; 1 Bro. C. C. 160, as to the effect of a
bankrupt's assignment on a good-will; and 16 Amer. Jur. 87.