The Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) is a comprehensive set of legal statutes designed to standardize commercial law across the United States. The UCC covers various aspects of commercial transactions, such as sales, leases, negotiable instruments, and secured transactions.
UCC filings can be used to perfect security interests in collateral, and the Code aims to provide a consistent legal framework for businesses and consumers engaged in commercial transactions.
What Parts of the UCC Govern the Sale of Goods?
Article 2 of the UCC specifically governs the sale of goods. This part of the UCC covers various aspects of transactions involving tangible goods, from contracts to warranties and remedies for breach of contract. It sets out rules for forming, performing, and enforcing sales contracts.
Here’s a summary of some of the most significant aspects:
- Formation of Sales Contracts: Article 2 outlines how sales contracts can be formed, including rules for offers and acceptance. It includes the “battle of the forms” provision, which addresses how conflicting terms are handled between the buyer’s and seller’s forms.
- Statute of Frauds: It requires that sales contracts for goods priced at $500 or more be in writing. However, there are exceptions, such as when goods have been accepted or paid for or if the parties are merchants.
- Warranties: Article 2 includes rules for express and implied warranties. Express warranties are explicitly stated in the contract, while implied warranties are unspoken, unwritten promises that the goods are fit for their ordinary use or a particular purpose.
- Risk of Loss: It lays down the rules for when the risk of loss passes from the seller to the buyer, depending on the contract terms, such as FOB shipping point or FOB destination.
- Remedies: Article 2 specifies the remedies available to buyers and sellers in case of breach of contract. This includes the buyer’s right to reject non-conforming goods and the seller’s right to cure a defect within the contract period.
- Performance: The UCC sets out the obligations of the seller and the buyer in performing the contract. This includes rules about delivery, acceptance, and payment.
- Course of Dealing and Trade Usage: Article 2 allows for considering previous dealings between the parties and trade customs within an industry to interpret the terms of a contract.
- Merchant Status: Special rules apply to merchants (people who regularly deal in the goods being sold or who present themselves as having special knowledge or skill in those goods), including a higher duty of good faith.
- Buyer’s Right to Inspect Goods: It provides that the buyer has the right to inspect the goods before accepting them.
- Rejection and Revocation of Acceptance: Article 2 outlines the conditions under which a buyer may reject goods or revoke acceptance and the timing and manner in which these actions must be taken.
- Bulk Sales: It has provisions regarding the bulk transfer of goods in certain circumstances to protect creditors.
These are some of the main rules that Article 2 of the UCC sets out, but it contains many more specific provisions, depending on the situation. If you’re dealing with a sale of goods under the UCC, it’s essential to consult with a commercial law attorney who can provide advice tailored to the particular circumstances of the transaction.
What Is Considered a Sale of Goods?
Under Article 2 of the UCC, a sale of goods is defined as the transfer of title from a seller to a buyer for a price. The term “goods” refers to tangible personal property that is movable at the time of the sale. It does not include intangible property, real estate, or services governed by other laws.
What Are Some Examples of a Sale of Goods? What Are Some Examples of Transactions that Are Not Sales of Goods?
Examples of goods sales include purchasing a car, furniture, or electronic devices. Transactions that are not considered sales of goods include the sale of real estate, stocks, intellectual property, or contracts for providing services like landscaping or consulting.
Let’s dive into more detailed examples of what is considered a sale of goods under the UCC’s Article 2 and what is not.
Examples of Sales of Goods
- Purchasing a Car from a Dealer: When you buy a new or used car from a dealership, it’s a sale of goods transaction governed by Article 2.
- Buying Furniture from a Retailer: If you go to a furniture store and purchase a dining table set, this transaction falls under the sale of goods.
- Wholesale Purchase of Electronic Devices: A company buying smartphones in bulk from a manufacturer for resale is another example of a sale of goods.
- Grocery Shopping: When you buy groceries from a supermarket, it sells goods, whether packaged products, fresh produce, or meat.
- Online Purchase of Clothing: If you order clothes from an online retailer, that’s a sale of goods transaction.
- Buying a Gift from a Jewelry Store: Purchasing a necklace or a watch as a gift from a jewelry store is also a sale of goods.
Examples of Transactions that Are Not Sales of Goods
- Sale of Real Estate: Buying or selling a house, land, or commercial property is not considered a sale of goods and is governed by real estate laws.
- Investing in Stocks: When you purchase stocks, bonds, or other securities, it’s not a sale of goods; instead, securities laws apply.
- Purchasing Intellectual Property: If you’re buying the rights to a patent, trademark, or copyright, it’s not a sale of goods but a transaction governed by intellectual property laws.
- Hiring a Landscaping Company: When you contract a company for landscaping services, you’re not buying goods but rather a service, so it doesn’t fall under Article 2.
- Consulting Contracts: If a business hires a consultant to provide expert advice or services, this is not a sale of goods.
- Leasing Equipment: Leasing machinery or equipment for a specified term is not a sale but a lease, and it’s treated differently under the UCC.
- Buying a Digital Download: Purchasing digital content like an eBook, music file, or software isn’t considered a sale of goods. The transaction might be more related to licensing rights.
These detailed examples help illustrate the breadth and limitations of what is considered a sale of goods under Article 2 of the UCC. Understanding the distinction is vital for applying the proper legal principles and may require consultation with a commercial lawyer, especially in complex or borderline cases.
What Are Common Terms in a Sale of Goods Contract?
Common terms in a sale of goods contract under the UCC might include the description of goods, quantity, price, delivery terms, payment terms, warranties, risk of loss, and remedies for breach. Understanding these terms is essential for buyers and sellers to ensure compliance with the legal requirements.
Does A Sale of Goods Contract Need to Be in Writing?
Under the UCC, a sale of goods contract does not always need to be in writing. However, a written contract is typically required to sell goods priced at $500 or more. Even when not legally required, a written contract can clarify and protect both parties in sale of goods disputes.
How Can an Attorney Help Me?
If you are involved in a transaction governed by the UCC, an attorney experienced in commercial law can help you understand your rights and obligations. Whether you need assistance drafting a sale of goods contract, navigating a UCC filing, or resolving disputes related to the sale of goods, an attorney can provide guidance tailored to your situation.
LegalMatch can connect you with a qualified commercial lawyer in your area if you need legal assistance.
