Boatmen's Savings Bank v. State Savings Association was a case heard by the United States Supreme Court in 1885. The case involved a dispute between two savings banks, Boatmen's Savings Bank and State Savings Association, over the right to use the words "savings bank" in their name. Boatmen's Savings Bank argued that the use of the words "savings bank" in the name of State Savings Association was a violation of their trademark rights. The Supreme Court held that the use of the words "savings bank" in the name of State Savings Association did not constitute a trademark infringement. The Court reasoned that the words "savings bank" were descriptive and not distinctive, and therefore could not be protected as a trademark. The Court also held that the use of the words "savings bank" in the name of State Savings Association did not create a likelihood of confusion among consumers. The Court concluded that Boatmen's Savings Bank had no valid claim to the exclusive use of the words "savings bank" in their name.

In Boatmen's Savings Bank v. State Savings Association, the Supreme Court was asked to decide whether a state-chartered savings association could be held liable for damages caused by its negligence in failing to pay out funds on time. The majority opinion found that it could not, as the institution was not subject to common law liability and thus had no duty of care towards its customers. Justice Field dissented from this decision, arguing that while there may have been no statutory or constitutional provision requiring such an obligation of care, the bank should still be held accountable for any harm caused by its failure to act with due diligence and prudence when dealing with customer deposits. He argued further that allowing banks like these to escape liability would encourage them “to neglect their duties” without fear of consequence and lead ultimately “to great public injury” through financial losses suffered by innocent parties who trusted in their services.