No. 14-14-00785-CV
IN THE
FILED IN
14th COURT OF APPEALS
FOURTEENTH COURT OF APPEALS HOUSTON, TEXAS
5/25/2015 6:46:14 AM
at Houston CHRISTOPHER A. PRINE
Clerk
______________________
RICHARD ALAN HAASE,
Appellant,
V.
HYCHEM, Inc.;
Appellee.
______________________
Appealed from the 240th District Court of
Fort Bend County, Texas
APPELLANT’S REPLY BRIEF - AMENDED
Richard Alan Haase,
4402 Ringrose Drive
Missouri City, Texas 77459
Tel. 281-261-9543
Richard.Haase@clearvalue.com
Pro Se’ Appellant
APPELLANT DOES NOT REQUEST ORAL ARGUMENT
i
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS ................................................................................................. ii
INDEX OF AUTHORITIES ........................................................................................... iii
Preliminary Statement ...................................................................................................... 1
ARGUMENT.................................................................................................................... 2
I.
Fraud-Upon-the-Court ............................................................................................ 2
II.
Laws of Supremacy and the Case ........................................................................... 4
III.
Hychem is Liable .................................................................................................... 5
IV.Haase has Standing ................................................................................................. 7
V.Texas Has Jurisdiction to Non-exclusive/Non-preemptive Federal Claims......... 11
A. Genuine Material Facts Support of Each Element of Each Claim ..................... 12
B. Fraud is Evidenced .......................................................................................... 12
C. Conspiracy is well Evidenced ......................................................................... 14
D. Haase Has Valid Extortion/Exploitation/Slander Claims ............................... 15
VI. Haase is Damaged ................................................................................................ 17
Summary and Conclusions ............................................................................................. 17
PRAYER ........................................................................................................................ 18
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE ....................................................................................... 19
APPENDIX .................................................................................................................... 20
APPENDIX 9 – TX Business and Commerce Code ........................................... 21
ii
INDEX OF AUTHORITIES
CASES
Ableman v. Booth, 62 U.S. 506 (1859) ................................................................................ 4
ADM Invstor Services, Inc., In re, 304 S.W.3d 371, 374 (Tex. 2010) ................................ 9
Adams v. Petrade Intern., Inc., 754 S.W.2d 696, 717
(Tex. App.—Houston [1st Dist.] 1988, writ denied).................................................... 15
Angelou v. African Overseas Union, 33 S.W.3d 269, 278–79
(Tex. App.—Houston [14th Dist.] 2000, no pet.) ......................................................... 15
Bulloch v. United States, 763 F.2d 1115,1121 (10th Cir. 1985). .......................................... 3
Builders Transport, Inc. v. Grice-Smith, 167 S.W.3d 1, 12
(Tex. App.--Waco 2005, pet. denied) ............................................................................. 9
Centeq Realty v. Siegler, 899 S.W.2d at 195 (Tex. 1995) ................................................ 12
Chambers v. NASCO, Inc., 501 U.S. 32, 43-46 (1991) ....................................................... 3
Cherokee Water Co. v. Forderhause, 727 S.W.2d 605, 612 (Tex. App.--Texarkana 1987) .. 8
ClearValue, Inc. v. Pearl River Polymers, Inc., 560 F.3d 1291 (2009) .......................... 2, 3
ClearValue, Inc. v. Pearl River Polymers, Inc., 668 F.3d 1340, 1342
(Fed. Cir. 2012) ......................................................................................................... 2, 3
ClearValue, Inc. v. Pearl River Polymers, Inc., (CAFC 12-1595) ................................. 2, 3
ClearValue, Inc. and Richard Haase v. Pearl River Polymers, et al.,
(US S Ct No. 12-212) ................................................................................................. 2, 3
ClearValue, Inc. and Richard Haase v. Pearl River Polymers, et al.,
(US S Ct No. 14-5045) ................................................................................................... 2
Cooper v. Aaron, 358 U.S. 1 (1958).................................................................................... 4
Crim v. Handley, 94 U.S. 652 (1876). .................................................................................. 3
Delaware Valley Citizens' Council for Clean Air v. Pennsylvania,
755 F.2d 38, 43 (1988) ................................................................................................... 5
iii
Ernst & Young, L.L.P. v. Pacific Mut. Life Ins. Co., 51 S.W.3d 573, 578–80
(Tex. 2001) .................................................................................................................. 13
Expro Americas v. Sanguine Gas Exploration, 351 S.W.3d 915, 921
(Tex. App.--Houston [14th Dist.] 2011, pet. denied) ............................................... 9, 10
First Nat'l Bank in Dallas v. Kinabrew, 589 S.W.2d 137, 145
(Tex. Civ. App.--Tyler 1979, writ ref'd n.r.e.)................................................................... 8
Fuhrman v. Dretke, 442 F.3d 893 (5th Cir. 2006) .............................................................. 4
Gibson v. Bostick Roofing and Sheet Metal, 148 S.W.3d 482, 492
(Tex. App.--El Paso 2004, no pet.) ................................................................................ 10
Gittings, Neiman-Marcus, Inc. v. Estes, 440 S.W.2d 90, 93
(Tex. Civ. App.--Eastland 1969, no writ) ...................................................................... 10
Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. v. Mayes, 236 S.W.3d 754, 756 (Tex. 2007) .................... 12
Grubb v. Public Util. Comm'n, 281 U.S. 470 (1930)............................................................ 3
Guaranty Trust Co. v. York, 326 U.S. 99 (1945). ................................................................. 3
Harris v. Am. Prot. Ins. Co., 158 S.W.3d 614, 629
(Tex. App.—Fort Worth 2005, no pet.)........................................................................ 13
Hearn v. Hanlon-Buchanan, Inc., 179 S.W.2d 364, 367
(Tex. Civ. App.--Fort Worth 1944, writ ref'd w.o.m.). ...................................................... 8
Italian Cowboy Partners, Ltd. v. Prudential Ins. Co. of Am.
341 S.W.3d 323, 337 (Tex. 2011) ................................................................................ 12
Insurance Co. of N. Am. v. Morris, 981 S.W.2d 667, 675 (Tex. 1998) ........................... 14
Juul v. Fed. Express, 260 F.3d 622 (5th Cir. 2001) ............................................................ 3
J.P., In re, 296 S.W.3d 830, 836 (Tex. App.--Fort Worth 2009, no pet.) .......................... 9
K.A.S., In re, 131 S.W.3d 215, 230–31 (Tex. App.-Fort Worth 2004, pet. denied) ........... 4
Kithcart v. Metropolitan Life Ins. Co., 119 F.2d 497 (8th Cir. 1941). .................................. 3
Krainz v. Kodiak Resources, Inc., 436 S.W.3d 325, 331-333
(Tex. App.--Austin 2013) ............................................................................................ 10
iv
Lear Siegler, Inc. v. Perez, 819 S.W.2d 470, 472 (Tex. 1991) ........................................ 14
L.E.A. Dynatech, Inc. v. Allina, 49 F.3d 1527, 1530 (Fed. Cir. 1995) ................................ 3
L.M.I., In re, 119 S.W.3d 707, 710–11 (Tex. 2003)............................................................ 4
Mills v. Warner Lambert Co., 157 S.W.3d 424,427 (Tex.2005) ....................................... 11
Natural Gas Pipeline Co., F.3d 1t 1406 .............................................................................. 4
Nears v. Holiday Hospitality Franchising, 295 S.W.3d 787, 795
(Tex. App.--Texarkana 2009, no pet.) ............................................................................ 9
Neubaum v. Buck Glove Co., 302 S.W.3d 912, 916-917
(Tex. App.--Beaumont 2009, no pet.) ............................................................................ 9
Nixon v. Mr. Property Management Co., Inc., 690 S.W.2d 546, 549 (Tex. 1985) .......... 14
Olmstead v. Napoli, 383 S.W.3d 650, 652
(Tex. App.—Houston [14th Dist.] 2012, no pet.) ........................................................ 12
Randall’s Food Mkts., Inc. v. Johnson, 891 S.W.2d 640 (Tex. 1995) ............................... 16
Reliant Energy Servs. v. Cotton Valley, 336 S.W.3d 764, 784
(Tex. App.--Houston [1st Dist.] 2011, no pet.) .............................................................. 9
Richard Haase v. Pearl River Polymers, et al., No. 14-11-00024-cv, 2012 WL 4166826
(Tex. App.–Houston [14th Dist.] Aug. 9, 2012, pet. denied) ....................................... 3, 4
Richard Haase v. Pearl River Polymers, et al., TX SCt 12-0977......................................... 3
Richard Haase v. Pearl River Polymers, et al., US SCt 13-5159 ......................................... 3
Sharpe v. Roman Catholic Diocese of Dallas, 97 S.W.3d 791, 795
(Tex. App.-Dallas 2003, pet. denied) ........................................................................... 16
Schaff v. Stripling, 265 S.W.264, 266 (Tex. Civ. App.--Texarkana 1924, writ dism'd) .......... 8
Somers ex rel. EGL, Inc. v. Crane, 295 S.W.3d 5, 14-15
(Tex. App.--Houston [1st Dist.] 2009, pet. denied) ..................................................... 10
Sorenson v. Sutherland, 109 F.2d 714 (2d Cir. 1940) .......................................................... 3
Subaru of America v. David McDavid Nissan, 84 S.W.3d 212, 220 (Tex. 2002) ............ 11
v
Sun Appliance & Elec., Inc. v. Klein, 363 S.W.2d 293, 296
(Tex. Civ. App.--Eastland 1962, no writ) ..................................................................... 10
Suzlon Energy v. Trinity Structural Towers, 436 S.W.3d 835, 842
(Tex. App.--Dallas 2014, no pet. h.)............................................................................... 9
Testa v. Katt, 330 U.S. 386, 393, 67 S. Ct. 810 (1947) .................................................... 11
Thomas Regional Directory v. Dragon Prods., 196 S.W.3d 424, 429
(Tex. App.--Beaumont 2006, pet denied) .................................................................... 8, 9
Toon v. Wackenhut Corr. Corp., 250 F.3d 950, 952 (5th Cir. 2001) .................................. 3
Triplex Communications, Inc. v. Riley, 900 S.W.2d 716, 719 (Tex. 1995) ..................... 15
United States v. $49,000 Currency, 330 F.3d 371, 376 (5th Cir. 2003) ............................. 4
Verizon Corporate Servs. v. Kan-Pak Systems, 290 S.W.3d 899, 904
(Tex. App.--Amarillo 2009, no pet.) .............................................................................. 9
Walker Ins. Services v. Bottle Rock Power, 108 S.W.3d 538, 549-550
(Tex. App.--Houston [14th Dist.] 2003, no pet.) ...................................................... 9, 10
Whitehead v. Food Max of Miss., Inc., 332 F.3d 796,805 (5th Circuit 2003)..................... 3
Williams Nat. Gas Co. v. City of Oklahoma City,
C.A.10th, 1989, 890 F.2d 255, 265 n. 11 .......................................................................... 5
Winkelman v. Parma City Sch. Dist., 550 U.S. 516, S.Ct. 1994, 1999 (2007) ................... 1
Wright, Miller & Cooper, certiorari denied 497 U.S. 1003, 111 L.Ed.2d 747 ........................ 5
U.S. Constitution
Art. VI, Cl. 2 ..................................................................................................................... 4
Texas Constitution
Art. V, §§ 1, 8 ................................................................................................................. 11
vi
U.S. Statutes
28 U.S.C. §1654 ............................................................................................................... 2
Texas Statutes
Business and Commerce Code Chapter 2 .................................................................... 6, 7
Business Organizations Code § 21.552 .......................................................................... 10
Government Code § 24.007 ............................................................................................ 11
Government Code § 24.008 ............................................................................................ 11
RULES
Tex. R. Civ. P. 166a........................................................................................................ 12
vii
TO THE HONORABLE FOURTEENTH COURT OF APPEALS:
Appellant, Richard Alan Haase (“Haase”) respectfully presents his reply brief
(“Rp.Br.”) to the Fourteenth Court of Appeals (“the Court”) in reply to Appellee,
Hychem, Inc. (“Hychem”) response to Haase’s Principal Brief (“P.Br.”).
Preliminary Statement
The Hychem Response Brief (“R.Br.”) is a very good example of what is wrong
with our justice system today. Yes, attorneys are allowed significant latitudes in
defense of their client. However, false representations by officers of the court defile
our courts. Further, omissions (in this case blatant omissions) by officers of the court
defile our courts. Further still, to wrap false representations and omissions into a
salaciousness before the Court that is best likened to “Fox News” lowers our justice
system to a point of depravity.
Haase respectfully prays that the Court look past Hychem’s salaciousness. This is
not Fox News, the Jerry Springer Show or Payton Place; in strong contrast to R.Br.,
this is an appellate court in the State of Texas. Haase respectfully prays that the Court
look past the many false representations and omissions performed by Hychem before
the Court. Haase respectfully prays that the Court not allow Hychem to mislead.
Haase respectfully prays that the Court review this appeal in light of the evidence
presented and established precedent.
In strong contrast to Hychem salacious false representations, Haase does not attempt
to relitigate ANY federal matter in this proceeding (R.Br. 2).
Page 1
ARGUMENT
R.Br. makes much to do about the fact that Haase is representing himself Pro’ Se’.
While such an argument sounds relevant, it is not. Haase does not have to be an
attorney, member of any organization nor club to practice law. As a citizen of Texas
(“TX”) and the United States (“US”), Haase has a right to protect his Rights. As
provided by the US Supreme Court (“SCt”), “[a] litigant has the right to represent
[themselves] without an attorney” [28 U.S.C. § 1654; and, Winkelman v. Parma City
Sch. Dist., 550 U.S. 516, SCt. 1994, 1999 (2007)].
I. Fraud-Upon-the-Court
R.Br. falsely presents “Haase devotes the majority of his brief to various
unsupported and baseless accusations about the conduct of a federal district court judge,
the federal circuit court of appeals, and other entities who are not parties to this
proceeding and that he alleges took place during two prior federal trials. …” (R.Br. 1).
There is no basis in fact to support this allegation/argument. Actions performed in the
federal district court and Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (“CAFC”) required
two (2) trials (6:06-cv-197 TX Eastern), three (3) appeals (CAFC 07-1487, 11-1078 &
12-1595 – two (2) of which were filed by members of the bar) and two (2) petitions
before the US SCt (12-212 & 14-5045 – one of which was filed by a member of the
bar); in no instance does Haase attack the Courts as claimed. One cannot or should not
file an appeal unless a significant error in law is perceived. One cannot or should not
file a petition to the US S Ct or the TX SCt unless a significant violation of
Page 2
Constitutional Law is perceived; where again, three (3) attorneys before the bar filed
appeals/petitions in addition to Haase. This Hychem allegation/argument is an attempt
to anger the Court, mislead the Court, past evidence and precedent.
Haase does honestly believe his US and TX Constitutional Rights violated. At the
federal level, Haase does truly believe his US Constitutional Rights violated, as
presented in two (2) petitions before the US S Ct (12-212 & 14-5045 – one filed by a
member of the bar). At the state level, Haase does believe his TX and US Constitutional
Rights violated, as minimally presented in one (1) petition before the TX SCt (12-0977)
and before the US SCt (13-5159). Haase does believe that at the federal level, Haase got
caught up in a conservative program of judicial activism to significantly reduce US
Patent Rights (at this point, almost any patent attorney will attest). Haase does believe
at the state level, the bar has significant issues with a Pro Se’ Party filing suit against
favored bar members, specifically in the instant case the Hon. Harvey Brown.
The question and potential exposure for the US and TX is whether or not Fraud-
Upon-the-Court has been performed. If so, Haase does have significant rights that go
beyond those proceedings, regardless of Hychem’s argument of finality1.
1
“Whenever any officer of the court commits fraud during a proceeding in the court, he/she is engaged in
‘fraud upon the court”’ [Bulloch v. United States, 763 F.2d 1115,1121 (10th Cir. 1985)], the court stated
‘Fraud upon the court is fraud which is directed to the judicial machinery ... It is where the court or a
member is corrupted or influenced or influence is attempted or where the judge has not performed his
judicial function --- thus where the impartial functions of the court have been directly corrupted”’; FRCP
60; see also, Whitehead v. Food Max of Miss., Inc., 332 F.3d 796,805 (5th Cir. 2003); see also, Guaranty
Trust Co. v. York, 326 U.S. 99 (1945); Moore 60.37[3] at 633-34; Kithcart v. Metropolitan Life Ins. Co.,
119 F.2d 497 (8th Cir. 1941); Crim v. Handley, 94 U.S. 652 (1876); Grubb v. Public Util. Comm'n, 281
U.S. 470 (1930); Sorenson v. Sutherland, 109 F.2d 714 (2d Cir. 1940). Chambers v. NASCO, Inc., 501
U.S. 32, 43-46 (1991); Juul v. Fed. Express, 260 F.3d 622 (5th Cir. 2001); Toon v. Wackenhut Corr.
Corp., 250 F.3d 950, 952 (5th Cir. 2001); L.E.A. Dynatech, Inc. v. Allina, 49 F.3d 1527, 1530 (Fed. Cir.
Page 3
II. Laws of Supremacy and the Case
R.Br. tries to purport that the prior ruling in favor of the severed parties defines a
law of the case that the Court cannot rule against. However, the laws of Supremacy
and of the Case apply to federal precedent that actually defines Law of the Case and
presents that Haase I (Haase v. Pearl River Polymers, Inc., No. 14-11-00024-CV,
2012 WL 4166826 (Tex. App.—Houston [14th Dist.] 2012, pet. denied), cert. denied,
2013 WL 3380971, (Oct. 7, 2013) was in error, as evidenced and presented in Haase’s
Principal Brief (P.Br. 13 & 32-39).
Respectfully, prior federal rulings, specifically CAFC 07-1487 (P.Br. App. L) and
Remand to the State of TX (P.Br. App. O) are Supreme2 and Law of the Case3.
“[S]tates do not have authority to nullify federal law” [Ableman v. Booth, 62 U.S.
506 (1859); and, Cooper v. Aaron, 358 U.S. 1 (1958)]. State courts cannot issue
1995); Natural Gas Pipeline Co. v. America, 2F.3d 1397, 1406 (5th Cir. 1993); and United States v.
$49,000 Currency, 330 F.3d 371,376 (5th Cir. 2003). See also, 7 MOORE 60.37[1] nn.38 8- 39.
No citizen of this State shall be deprived of life, liberty, property, privileges or immunities, or in any
manner disfranchised, except by the due course of the law of the land [Tex. Const. Art I, § 19]. In re
L.M.I., 119 S.W.3d 707, 710–11 (Tex. 2003); In re K.A.S., 131 S.W.3d 215, 230–31 (Tex. App.-Fort
Worth 2004, pet. denied); see also In re B.L.D., 113 S.W.3d 340, 349–55 (Tex. 2003).
“[T]here is an admitted exception to th[e] general rule [that an issue once litigated to a final judgment
will bar subsequent litigation on the same issue] in cases where, by reason of something done by the
successful party to a suit, there was in fact no adversary trial or decision of the issue in the case. Where
the unsuccessful party has been prevented from exhibiting fully his case, by fraud or deception
practiced on him by his opponent . . . which show that there has never been a real contest in the trial or
hearing of the case, are reasons for which a new suit may be sustained to set aside and annul the former
judgment or decree, and open the case for a new and fair hearing. ... [T]he acts for which a court of
equity will on account of fraud set aside or annul a judgment or decree, between the same parties,
rendered by a court of competent jurisdiction, have relation to frauds, extrinsic or collateral, to the
matter tried by the first court, and not to a fraud in the matter on which the decree was rendered." [98
U.S. 65-66, 68 (1868)]. (Emphasis added)
2
“This Constitution, and the Laws of the United States which shall be made in pursuance thereof; and all
treaties made, or which shall be made, under the authority of the United States, shall be the supreme law
of the land; and the judges in every state shall be bound thereby, anything in the constitution or laws of
any state to the contrary notwithstanding” [U.S. Constitution, Art. VI, Cl. 2] (P.Br. App. 06).
3
Fuhrman v. Dretke, 442 F.3d 893 (5th Cir. 2006).
Page 4
rulings that contradict the decisions of federal courts [Id.]. Further, federal circuit and
district court rulings define in a state court “Law of the Case”3.
State courts are required and historically have given federal judgments their “full
faith and credit” deserved4. “It would be unthinkable to suggest that state courts should
be free to disregard the judgments of federal courts … The suggestion is so unthinkable
that the rule requiring state courts to honor the res judicata effects of federal court
judgments has been stated in an unbroken line of cases that do not offer any clear
judicial thought or explanation”5.
Haase presents, evidences and argues, that Federal Law of the Case in combination
with available evidence traverse summary judgment (P.Br. 32-39).
III. Hychem is Liable
Throughout R.Br., Hychem argues that it is not liable; because, the products sold
were manufactured by SNF Holding Company (“SNF” – Haase I defendant), that
products were shipped by SNF and certificates of analysis were prepared by SNF.
4
18B Fed. Prac. & Proc. Juris. § 4468, Wright & Miller, 2013.
5
Id. See also, Williams Nat. Gas Co. v. City of Oklahoma City, C.A.10th, 1989, 890 F.2d 255, 265 n. 11,
quoting Wright, Miller & Cooper, certiorari denied 110 S.Ct. 3236, 497 U.S. 1003, 111 L.Ed.2d 747.
See Delaware Valley Citizens' Council for Clean Air v. Pennsylvania, C.A.3d, 1985, 755 F.2d 38, 43,
quoting Wright, Miller & Cooper, certiorari denied 106 S.Ct. 67, 474 U.S. 819, 88 L.Ed.2d 54. The court
affirmed refusal to vacate a consent decree entered in federal litigation on the basis of a subsequent state-
court decision that the state officials who consented to the decree lacked authority to do so. It concluded
that the state decision was an impermissible collateral attack on the federal judgment.
“What was attempted in the state courts and the ostensible relief granted by the state's highest court,
of course, flies in the face of settled law and the doctrine of res judicata.” 755 F.2d at 43. Again, it
observed: “Only the federal courts have the power to determine the authority of federal court
litigants, bringing suit under federal law, to enter into consent decrees approved by a federal court.”
755 F.2d at 44 (per Aldisert, C.J.).
Page 5
As evidenced and argued by Haase (P.Br. 16, 19 & 36), all of the polyDADMAC
products are labelled in shipment and invoiced as by Hychem. Further, as evidenced and
argued by Haase (P.Br. 20-22), certificates of analysis are labelled as from Hychem.
In conclusion, it is without question that Hychem is the Seller.
The TX Business and Commerce Code (App. 9) does not allow Hychem to escape
or shirk liability:
‘“Buyer’ means a person who buys or contracts to buy goods” [TX Business and
Commerce Code 2.103 (1)]. Therefore, Haase is the Buyer.
‘“Seller’ means a person who sells or contracts to sell” [TX Business and Commerce
Code 2.103 (4)]. Therefore, Hychem is the Seller.
‘“Merchant’ means a person who deals in goods of the kind or otherwise by his
occupation holds himself out as having knowledge or skill peculiar to the practices
or goods involved in the transaction or to whom such knowledge or skill may be
attributed by his employment of an agent or broker or other intermediary who by
his occupation holds himself out as having such knowledge or skill” [TX Business
and Commerce Code 2.104(a)]. Therefore, Haase and Hychem are Merchants.
‘“Between merchants’ means in any transaction with respect to which both parties
are chargeable with the knowledge or skill of merchants” [TX Business and
Commerce Code 2.104(c)].
“Unless otherwise agreed specifications relating to assortment of the goods are at the
buyer's option … arrangements relating to shipment are at the seller's option” [TX
Business and Commerce Code 2.311(a)]. Therefore, shipper is Hychem’s option.
“A party may perform his duty through a delegate unless otherwise agreed or unless
the other party has a substantial interest in having his original promisor perform or
control the acts required by the contract. No delegation of performance relieves the
party delegating of any duty to perform or any liability for breach.” [TX Business
and Commerce Code 2.210(a)]. Therefore, Hychem cannot delegate its duty.
“Any affirmation of fact or promise made by the seller to the buyer which relates to
the goods and becomes part of the basis of the bargain creates an express warranty
that the goods shall conform to the affirmation or promise. … Any description of the
goods which is made part of the basis of the bargain creates an express warranty that
Page 6
the goods shall conform to the description.” [TX Business and Commerce Code
2.313 (1) & (2)]. Therefore, Hychem product labelling and certificate of analysis
create a warranty that the products shipped were as represented.
“IMPLIED WARRANTY: MERCHANTABILITY; USAGE OF TRADE.
(a) Unless excluded or modified, a warranty that the goods shall be merchantable
is implied in a contract for their sale if the seller is a merchant with respect to
goods of that kind. Under this section the serving for value of food or drink to
be consumed either on the premises or elsewhere is a sale.
b) Goods to be merchantable must be at least such as
(1) pass without objection in the trade under the contract description; and
(2) in the case of fungible goods, are of fair average quality within the
description; and
(3) are fit for the ordinary purposes for which such goods are used; and
(4) run, within the variations permitted by the agreement, of even kind,
quality and quantity within each unit and among all units involved; and
(5) are adequately contained, packaged, and labeled as the agreement may
require; and
(6) conform to the promises or affirmations of fact made on the container or
label if any.
(c) Unless excluded or modified other implied warranties may arise from course
of dealing or usage of trade.” [TX Business and Commerce Code 2.314].
Therefore, Hychem has implied warranties, as well.
There is no question, pursuant the TX Business and Commerce Code, that Hychem
is liable and cannot transfer or shirk its duties and responsibilities.
IV. Haase has Standing
R.Br. makes repeated argument that Haase has no standing; as, Hychem dealt with
ClearValue, Inc. (“CVI”). Hychem thereby misleads with both false representation
and omission. In actuality, Hychem dealt with Moon Chemical Company (“Moon”),
as evidenced by Hychem invoices (P.Br. 16-19 & 36). Therefore, Hychem dealt with
Moon, not CVI, as evidenced (Id.). Most importantly, it is evidenced that Haase
personally lost customers and is damaged due to acts of Hychem (CR 2284).
Page 7
The proper legal question is whether or not Moon operated as an Agent for Haase.
As presented to the trial court, it is evidenced that Moon operates as an Agent of Haase,
as well as, CVI. Moon purchased products from Hychem, at the direction of Haase, and
blended those products for customers of CVI and Haase (P.Br. 6, 16-19 & 36).
An Agent is either a general or a special agent. When an agency is established without
a showing of its extent, it is presumed to be a general agency [Hearn v. Hanlon-
Buchanan, Inc., 179 S.W.2d 364, 367 (Tex. Civ. App.--Fort Worth 1944, writ ref'd
w.o.m.)]. A general Agent is authorized to conduct all of the business of a particular kind
or in a particular place on behalf of the principal. A general Agent does not necessarily
have unlimited powers but rather such an agent usually has broad powers within a defined
area [First Nat'l Bank in Dallas v. Kinabrew, 589 S.W.2d 137, 145 (Tex. Civ. App.--Tyler
1979, writ ref'd n.r.e.)]. Persons dealing with a general Agent in relation to the principal's
business are not affected by any secret instructions limiting the agent's authority that have
not come to their knowledge [Thomas Regional Directory v. Dragon Prods., 196 S.W.3d
424, 429 (Tex. App.--Beaumont 2006, pet denied) ]. In contrast, a special Agent is only
authorized to do specific acts in conjunction with a particular transaction [Schaff v.
Stripling, 265 S.W.264, 266 (Tex. Civ. App.--Texarkana 1924, writ dism'd); Cherokee
Water Co. v. Forderhause, 727 S.W.2d 605, 612 (Tex. App.--Texarkana 1987), rev'd on
other grounds, 741 S.W.2d 377 (Tex. 1987) (agent's duties in obtaining landowners'
signatures on deeds included incidental duty to explain nature of deeds)]. Persons dealing
with a special Agent must inquire as to the agent's instructions and, if they fail to do so,
the principal is not bound for an act of its Agent beyond the scope of the agent's authority
Page 8
absent some proof that the principal held out the agent as having the power to do the
particular act or that the principal ratified the act [Thomas Regional Directory v. Dragon
Prods., 196 S.W.3d 424, 429 (Tex. App.--Beaumont 2006, pet. denied)].
Actual Agent authority is the power of an Agent to act on behalf of the principal in
accordance with the principal's manifestation of consent. The actual authority to act for
a principal must be conferred on the Agent by the principal. It is distinguished from
apparent authority, which is based on the conduct of the principal in relation to a third
party rather than on any agreement existing between the principal and Agent6. Actual
authority denotes authority the principal intentionally confers on the Agent, or
intentionally or negligently allows the agent to believe that the agent possesses7.
Actual Agent authority may be expressly conveyed either orally or in writing8. A
principal delegates express authority to an agent by words that expressly and directly
authorize the agent to do an act or series of acts on the principal's behalf9. Any powers
conferred by an instrument appointing an agent must be strictly construed; the
6
In re ADM Investor Services, Inc., 304 S.W.3d 371, 374 (Tex. 2010); Suzlon Energy v. Trinity
Structural Towers, 436 S.W.3d 835, 842 (Tex. App.--Dallas 2014, no pet. h.); Reliant Energy Servs.
v. Cotton Valley, 336 S.W.3d 764, 784 (Tex. App.--Houston [1st Dist.] 2011, no pet.); Neubaum v.
Buck Glove Co., 302 S.W.3d 912, 916-917 (Tex. App.--Beaumont 2009, no pet.); In re J.P., 296
S.W.3d 830, 836 (Tex. App.--Fort Worth 2009, no pet.).
7
Expro Americas v. Sanguine Gas Exploration, 351 S.W.3d 915, 921 (Tex. App.--Houston [14th
Dist.] 2011, pet. denied); Reliant Energy Servs. v. Cotton Valley, 336 S.W.3d 764, 783 (Tex. App.--
Houston [1st Dist.] 2011, no pet.); Nears v. Holiday Hospitality Franchising, 295 S.W.3d 787, 795
(Tex. App.--Texarkana 2009, no pet.); Verizon Corporate Servs. v. Kan-Pak Systems, 290 S.W.3d
899, 904 (Tex. App.--Amarillo 2009, no pet.).
8
Builders Transport, Inc. v. Grice-Smith, 167 S.W.3d 1, 12 (Tex. App.--Waco 2005, pet. denied);
Walker Ins. Services v. Bottle Rock Power, 108 S.W.3d 538, 549-550 (Tex. App.--Houston [14th
Dist.] 2003, no pet.).
9
Expro Americas v. Sanguine Gas Exploration, 351 S.W.3d 915, 921 (Tex. App.--Houston [14th
Dist.] 2011, pet. denied); Reliant Energy Servs. v. Cotton Valley, 336 S.W.3d 764, 783 (Tex. App.--
Houston [1st Dist.] 2011, no pet.); Nears v. Holiday Hospitality Franchising, 295 S.W.3d 787, 795
(Tex. App.--Texarkana 2009, no pet.).
Page 9
authority granted by a written agreement of agency may not be extended beyond the
express terms of the instrument or what is necessary to carry out the authority that has
been expressly granted10. The existence of an agency relationship based on actual
authority may also be implied from the parties' conduct or from the facts and
circumstances surrounding the transaction in question11.
There can be no question that Moon acted as an Agent for Haase and CVI. Actual
authority is well evidenced (Supra).
R.Br. further argues that Haase has no standing; because, Haase is a shareholder of
CVI and not CVI itself. Regardless of the evidence and argument that Moon is an
Agent of Haase, as well as CVI, Haase further has sanding; as, Haase is a significant
shareholder of CVI, as evidenced (P.Br. 11). A significant shareholder has standing.
The governing statutes require a plaintiff in a derivative proceeding to be a
shareholder of the corporation at the time when the derivative proceeding is
commenced12. Furthermore, a person must be a shareholder to either institute or
maintain a derivative proceeding [Tex. Bus. Orgs. Code § 21.552].
10
Gittings, Neiman-Marcus, Inc. v. Estes, 440 S.W.2d 90, 93 (Tex. Civ. App.--Eastland 1969, no writ);
Sun Appliance & Elec., Inc. v. Klein, 363 S.W.2d 293, 296 (Tex. Civ. App.--Eastland 1962, no writ)
11
Expro Americas v. Sanguine Gas Exploration, 351 S.W.3d 915, 921 (Tex. App.--Houston [14th
Dist.] 2011, pet. denied); Gibson v. Bostick Roofing and Sheet Metal, 148 S.W.3d 482, 492 (Tex.
App.--El Paso 2004, no pet.); Walker Ins. Services v. Bottle Rock Power, 108 S.W.3d 538, 550
(Tex. App.--Houston [14th Dist.] 2003, no pet.).
12
Tex. Bus. Orgs. Code § 21.552 (standing requirements); Somers ex rel. EGL, Inc. v. Crane, 295
S.W.3d 5, 14-15 (Tex. App.--Houston [1st Dist.] 2009, pet. denied) (former shareholders do not
have standing); see also Krainz v. Kodiak Resources, Inc., 436 S.W.3d 325, 331-333 (Tex. App.--
Austin 2013) (law does not require possession of stock certificate to substantiate claim of
ownership of stock, which may be shown by other evidence, such as nature of parties, nature of
their relationship, and their representations to each other).
Page 10
V. Texas Has Jurisdiction to Non-exclusive/Non-preemptive Federal Claims
R.Br. repeatedly argues TX has no jurisdiction to federal claims; that is incorrect.
District courts are constitutional courts of general jurisdiction [Tex. Const. Art. 5
§§ 1, 8; Tex. Gov't Code §§ 24.007, 24.008]. A district court has original jurisdiction
of a civil matter in which the amount in controversy is more than $500, exclusive of
interest [Tex. Gov't Code § 24.007]. The district court is the preeminent Texas trial
court. It has “exclusive, appellate, and original jurisdiction of all actions, proceedings,
and remedies, except in cases where exclusive, appellate or original jurisdiction may
be conferred by this Constitution or other law on some other court, tribunal, or
administrative body” [Tex. Const. art. 5 § 8; Subaru of America v. David McDavid
Nissan, 84 S.W.3d 212, 220 (Tex. 2002) (courts of general jurisdiction are presumed
to have subject matter jurisdiction unless contrary showing is made)].
In some cases, the subject matter jurisdiction of all Texas courts will be defeated
by a species of federal preemption. But, in most cases, the district court does not lose
jurisdiction merely because the defendants allege that the action should have been
characterized as an action under federal law and brought in federal court. Texas courts
may not refuse to entertain claims arising under federal law unless federal jurisdiction
is exclusive. In the instant case, Hychem has not demonstrated that federal jurisdiction
is exclusive [Testa v. Katt, 330 U.S. 386, 393, 67 S. Ct. 810 (1947)]. Further, if
federal law does not require that the claim be tried in federal court, preemption is
merely an affirmative defense and does not deprive a state court of jurisdiction [Mills
Page 11
v. Warner Lambert Co., 157 S.W.3d 424,427 (Tex.2005)]. Hychem has not
demonstrated any federal preemption. TX has jurisdiction for Haase’s claims.
VI. A Genuine Material Facts Support Each Element of Each Claim
While Hychem attempts to mislead the Court with false representations and
omissions, Haase has provided the Court a genuine material fact in support of each
element of each of Haase’s claims (P.Br. 16-32). Respectfully, Haase is only required
to provide competent controverting evidence that simply raises a genuine issue of
material fact13. And respectfully, the Court is to examine the evidence in a light that is
most favorable to [Haase]14.
A. Fraud is Evidenced.
“(1) a material representation was made; (2) the representation was false; (3) when the
representation was made, the speaker knew it was false or made it recklessly without any
knowledge of the truth and as a positive assertion; (4) the speaker made the representation
with the intent that the other party should act upon it; (5) the party to whom the
representation was made acted in reliance on the representation; and (6) the party suffered
injury as a result” [Italian Cowboy Partners, Ltd. v. Prudential Ins. Co. of Am., 341
S.W.3d 323, 337 (Tex. 2011)] (P.Br. 16-23).
13
“Non-movant has provided competent controverting evidence, at a minimum, that proves the existence
of a genuine issue of material fact with regard to each element within Movants’ motion for summary
judgment” [Centeq Realty v. Siegler, 899 S.W.2d at 195, 38 Tex. Sup. Ct. J. 658 (Tex. May 25, 1995)
(No. 94-0573)]. And, “the non-movant must produce competent evidence sufficient to raise a fact
issue on the challenged elements of its claims” [Olmstead v. Napoli, 383 S.W.3d 650, 652 (Tex.
App.—Houston [14th Dist.] 2012, no pet.); see also, TRCP 166a].
14
“We examine the evidence in the light most favorable to the Non-movant and we indulge all reasonable
inferences and resolve all doubts in the Non-movant’s favor” [Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. v. Mayes,
236 S.W.3d 754, 756 (Tex. 2007) (per curium)].
Page 12
Haase further reminds the Court that the polyDADMAC shipments measured 495
centipoise seconds (cps) at 20% concentration, when 1980 cps was represented and 1000
cps is the specification minimum (P.Br. 6-7); in summary, the shipments were woefully
out of specification. The statistical probability of such an error to have occurred three (3)
times by chance is only 3 X 10-17 0.0000000000000000315,16. Therefore, the probability
that the three (3) shipments were performed knowingly is 0.999999999999999716,17.
Therefore, it is statistically impossible that Hychem did not intend for Haase to rely and/or
be influenced by the false representations/omissions. Hychem and SNF intended to harm
Haase; and, they did18.
As evidenced and argued by Haase, viscosity is a critical parameter of
polyDADMAC performance (P.Br. 7); therefore, it is without question that Hychem’s
acts are proximate cause of Haase’s loss of customers and income; and as viscosity is
determinative of molecular weight (Id.), it is without question that Hychem’s viscosity
false representations/omissions are a substantial factor, if not proximate cause, to
Haase’s damages (slander, sanction and costs) in the first federal trial; as the Hychem
viscosity false representations/omissions were the basis of the false representations/
omissions of SNF/WrightBrownClose, LLP (“Brown”) in the underlying Federal
15
CR 2248, P.Br. App. Q, Expert Report of Dr. Robert Hill.
16
A probability of “0” reveals statistically that an event will not occur; while, a probability of “1”
reveals statistically that an event will. A probability of 0.05 or less is indicative of an improbability;
and, a probability of greater than 0.95 is indicative of probability. (Id.)
17
There are two mutually exclusive and collectively exhaustive outcomes. The first is that the 3 out-
of-specification shipments occurred by chance or mistake and the second is that the 3 occurred
knowingly. Both probabilities add to 1. (Id.).
18
Harris v. Am. Prot. Ins. Co., 158 S.W.3d 614, 629 (Tex. App.—Fort Worth 2005, no pet.) (citations
omitted) (emphasis added); see also Ernst & Young, L.L.P. v. Pacific Mut. Life Ins. Co., 51 S.W.3d
573, 578–80 (Tex. 2001).
Page 13
Complaint. Had the Hychem polyDADMAC shipped in specification, there would
have been no reason for James Stoll to coordinate testing. Were it not for the acts of
Hychem, Haase would not be damaged by either the federal sanction or his loss of
customers/income. “[Hychem] will be held to cause plaintiff’s injury only if the act or
omission is a substantial factor in bringing about the injury and without which no harm
would have been incurred. [Nixon v. Mr. Property Management Co., Inc., 690 S.W.2d
546, 549 (Tex. 1985)]. Reasonable people would regard Hychem’s acts as a cause.
“[Hychem’s] conduct is considered a substantial factor if it ‘had such an effect in
producing the harm as to lead reasonable people to regard it as a cause.’” [Lear
Siegler, Inc. v. Perez, 819 S.W.2d 470, 472 (Tex. 1991)].
B. Conspiracy is Well Evidenced.
The essential elements of conspiracy are evidenced: “(1) a combination of two or
more persons; (2) an object to be accomplished (an unlawful purpose or a lawful
purpose by unlawful means); (3) a meeting of the minds on the object or course of
action; (4) one or more unlawful, overt acts; and (5) damages as the proximate result”
[Insurance Co. of N. Am. v. Morris, 981 S.W.2d 667, 675 (Tex. 1998)] (P.Br. 23-25).
R.Br. argues that there was no meeting of the minds. However, all conspiring parties
(SNF, Brown and Hychem) made the same false representations to harm Haase (P.Br.
23-25). All is while, it is statistically impossible for each party’s false representations
to have been made by chance (Supra); therefore, the false representations made by
each party were performed knowingly, where, a meeting of the minds was performed.
Page 14
Triplex Communications, Inc. v. Riley, 900 S.W.2d 716, 719 (Tex. 1995); see also,
Angelou v. African Overseas Union, 33 S.W.3d 269, 278–79 (Tex. App.—Houston
[14th Dist.] 2000, no pet.); Adams v. Petrade Intern., Inc., 754 S.W.2d 696, 717 (Tex.
App.—Houston [1st Dist.] 1988, writ denied).
C. Haase Has Valid Extortion/Exploitation/Slander Claims
In P.Br., Haase evidences attempted extortion by co-conspirators SNF and Brown
to take from Haase his intellectual property (P.Br. 2 & 31-32).
It is without question that the judicial process has been used to slander Haase (P.
Br. 26-30), as evidenced in the Memorandum, Opinion and Order of Judge Davis, June
2007 (P.Br. App. J).
As neither 585 cps, nor 495 cps at 20% concentration in water (viscosity of
Hychem misrepresented/out-of-specification polyDADMAC), can be greater than
1,000 cps (SNF product viscosity specification) nor about 1980 cps (Hychem viscosity
certificate of analysis)(P.Br. p. 6-7), it is impossible by third (3rd) grade arithmetic
that the misrepresented/out-of-specification polyDADMAC was as represented by
Hychem to Moon or as represented by SNF and Brown in the underlying Federal
Complaint19. Further, it is without question that acts of Hychem, SNF and Brown
were intentional; as, it is statistically impossible for the events (acts) to have happened
by chance (Supra); therefore, the events (acts) of Hychem, SNF and Brown were
intentional. A goal of Hychem, SNF and Brown has been to slander Haase; and, to use
19
ClearValue, Inc. and Haase v. Pearl River Polymers, Inc,, et al., 6:07-cv-197 in the Eastern District
of Texas.
Page 15
a federal judge, Leonard Davis, to complete the slander, e.g. exploitation of the
judicial process.
Slander of Haase, as performed by Hychem/SNF/Brown, was performed in an
exploitation of the judicial process to mislead district judge Leonard Davis with false
representations and omissions to write a Memorandum, Opinion and Order that would
harm Haase by slander. Exploitation was successful, as evidenced (P.Br. App. J).
Haase filed a claim for slander in his Original Petition (CR 015) September 18, 2009,
just 87 days after CAFC 07-1487 Mandate, June 23, 2009. “For the purposes of
application of limitations statute, a cause of action accrues when facts come into
existence authorizing a claimant to seek a judicial remedy, and the aggrieved party knows
or should know of the existence of these facts” [Sharpe v. Roman Catholic Diocese of
Dallas, 97 S.W.3d 791, 795 (Tex. App.-Dallas 2003, pet. denied)]. While, 07-1487
Ruling was necessary for Haase to have a slander claim; as, the 07-1487 Ruling (P.Br.
App. L) demonstrates the slanderous components of the June 2007 Memorandum,
Opinion and Order of Judge Davis (P.Br. App. J) to be in error, as argued previous (P.Br.
33-34); “truth is an affirmative defense to slander” [Randall’s Food Mkts., Inc. v. Johnson,
891 S.W.2d 640 (Tex. 1995)].
Regardless, in a federal action, exploitation of the judicial process is a form of Fraud-
Upon-the-Court1 that comprises false representations and omissions before the court to
mislead. There is no federal statute of limitations for exploitation of the judicial process,
nor Fraud-Upon-the-Court.
Page 16
Even though R.Br. attempts to tie slander of Haase to TX Limitations Statutes, Haase
was timely (Supra); while under the correct claim, as filed by Haase, exploitation of the
judicial process, there is no statute of limitations.
VII. Haase Is Damaged
R.Br. repeatedly argues that Haase has not been damaged. In strong contrast,
Haase has been significantly damaged in that:
1) Haase is now sanctioned $121,107 and must pay costs of $115,491 (CR 2285),
where the sanction and court costs are a direct result of testing performed on
Hychem misrepresented/out-of-specification polyDADMAC.
2) Haase lost customers that provided him an income (CR 2284).
3) Haase has been slandered due to acts of Hychem co-conspirators (SNF/Brown)
in the underlying Federal Complaint; acts that were enabled by Hychem
misrepresented/out-of-specification polyDADMAC (CR 2284), from which:
4) Haase has been unable to prosecute his patents that are valued over
$20,000,000 (CR 2285).
5) Haase has been unable to commercialize his patents, where
commercialization is valued over $100,000,000 (CR 2285).
6) Haase has been unable to enforce his patent rights that are valued over $1
billion (CR 2285).
An expert damage model prepared by Dr. Robert Hill has Haase’s damages in excess of
$20,000,000,000 (CR 2520).
Summary and Conclusions
Haase has properly traversed every argument in the R.Br.
Page 17
In P.Br. and Rp.Br., Haase provides a genuine material fact in support of each
element of each claim13. Where respectfully, the Court is to evaluate the evidence in a
light that is most favorable to Haase14. These material facts traverse summary judgment.
Further, in P.Br., Haase presents federal rulings per the laws of Supremacy and of
the Case, that in combination with material evidence, traverse summary judgment.
PAYER
Haase prays that the Court Reverse and Remand for a trial on the merits.
As Haase I comprises issues of Fraud-Upon-the-Court, which have no statute of
limitation, Haase prays that the Court Reverse and Remand Haase I along with the
instant appeal for a trial on the merits.
Respectfully submitted,
Richard Haase, Pro Se’
4402 Ringrose Drive
Missouri City, Texas 77459
Phone: 281-261-9543
Richard.Haase@clearvalue.com
Page 18
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I certify that a copy of the foregoing was served on Appellee, through counsel of record,
Mr. John Johnson, Esq. and Richard L. Tate, as presented below:
Mr. John W. Johnson, Esq.
Creighton, Fox, Johnson & Mills, PLLC
P.O. Box 5607
Beaumont, Texas 77726
By e-mail – jwj@cfjmlaw.com
Richard L. Tate, Esq.
Tate, Moeher & King, LLP
206 S. Second Street
Richmond, Texas 77469
By e-mail – rltate@tate-law.com
_______________________
Richard Alan Haase, Pro Se’
Richard Alan Haase
4402 Ringrose Drive
Missouri City, Texas 77459
Phone: (281) 261-9543
Richard.Haase@clearvalue.com
Page 19
No. 14-14-785-CV
RICHARD ALAN HAASE; § IN THE TEXAS FOURTEENTH
Plaintiff, Appellant §
§
Vs. § COURT OF APPEALS
§
HYCHEM, INC.; §
Defendant, Appellee § HOUSTON, TEXAS
APPELLANT’S PRINCIPAL BRIEF
APPENDIX
Page 20
No. 14-14-785-CV
RICHARD ALAN HAASE; § IN THE TEXAS FOURTEENTH
Plaintiff, Appellant §
§
Vs. § COURT OF APPEALS
§
HYCHEM, INC.; §
Defendant, Appellee § HOUSTON, TEXAS
APPELLANT’S REPLY BRIEF
APPENDIX 9
Page 21
5/19/2015 BUSINESS AND COMMERCE CODE CHAPTER 2. SALES
BUSINESS AND COMMERCE CODE
TITLE 1. UNIFORM COMMERCIAL CODE
CHAPTER 2. SALES
SUBCHAPTER A. SHORT TITLE, GENERAL CONSTRUCTION AND SUBJECT MATTER
Sec. 2.101. SHORT TITLE. This chapter may be cited as Uniform
Commercial CodeSales.
Acts 1967, 60th Leg., p. 2343, ch. 785, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1967.
Sec. 2.102. SCOPE; CERTAIN SECURITY AND OTHER TRANSACTIONS
EXCLUDED FROM THIS CHAPTER. Unless the context otherwise requires,
this chapter applies to transactions in goods; it does not apply to
any transaction which although in the form of an unconditional
contract to sell or present sale is intended to operate only as a
security transaction nor does this chapter impair or repeal any
statute regulating sales to consumers, farmers or other specified
classes of buyers.
Acts 1967, 60th Leg., p. 2343, ch. 785, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1967.
Sec. 2.103. DEFINITIONS AND INDEX OF DEFINITIONS. (a) In this
chapter unless the context otherwise requires
(1) "Buyer" means a person who buys or contracts to buy
goods.
(2) Reserved.
(3) "Receipt" of goods means taking physical possession of
them.
(4) "Seller" means a person who sells or contracts to sell
goods.
(b) Other definitions applying to this chapter or to specified
subchapters thereof, and the sections in which they appear are:
"Acceptance". Section 2.606.
"Banker's credit". Section 2.325.
"Between merchants". Section 2.104.
http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/BC/htm/BC.2.htm 1/57
5/19/2015 BUSINESS AND COMMERCE CODE CHAPTER 2. SALES
"Cancellation". Section 2.106(d).
"Commercial unit". Section 2.105.
"Confirmed credit". Section 2.325.
"Conforming to contract". Section 2.106.
"Contract for sale". Section 2.106.
"Cover". Section 2.712.
"Entrusting". Section 2.403.
"Financing agency". Section 2.104.
"Future goods". Section 2.105.
"Goods". Section 2.105.
"Identification". Section 2.501.
"Installment contract". Section 2.612.
"Letter of credit". Section 2.325.
"Lot". Section 2.105.
"Merchant". Section 2.104.
"Overseas". Section 2.323.
"Person in position of seller". Section 2.707.
"Present sale". Section 2.106.
"Sale". Section 2.106.
"Sale on approval". Section 2.326.
"Sale or return". Section 2.326.
"Termination". Section 2.106.
(c) The following definitions in other chapters apply to this
chapter:
"Check". Section 3.104.
"Consignee". Section 7.102.
"Consignor". Section 7.102.
"Consumer goods". Section 9.102.
"Control". Section 7.106.
"Dishonor". Section 3.502.
"Draft". Section 3.104.
(d) In addition Chapter 1 contains general definitions and
principles of construction and interpretation applicable throughout
this chapter.
Acts 1967, 60th Leg., p. 2343, ch. 785, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1967.
Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 414, Sec. 2.14, eff. July 1,
2001; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 542, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/BC/htm/BC.2.htm 2/57
5/19/2015 BUSINESS AND COMMERCE CODE CHAPTER 2. SALES
Amended by:
Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 122 (S.B. 1593), Sec. 3, eff. September
1, 2005.
Sec. 2.104. DEFINITIONS: "MERCHANT"; "BETWEEN MERCHANTS";
"FINANCING AGENCY". (a) "Merchant" means a person who deals in goods
of the kind or otherwise by his occupation holds himself out as having
knowledge or skill peculiar to the practices or goods involved in the
transaction or to whom such knowledge or skill may be attributed by
his employment of an agent or broker or other intermediary who by his
occupation holds himself out as having such knowledge or skill.
(b) "Financing agency" means a bank, finance company or other
person who in the ordinary course of business makes advances against
goods or documents of title or who by arrangement with either the
seller or the buyer intervenes in ordinary course to make or collect
payment due or claimed under the contract for sale, as by purchasing
or paying the seller's draft or making advances against it or by
merely taking it for collection whether or not documents of title
accompany or are associated with the draft. "Financing agency"
includes also a bank or other person who similarly intervenes between
persons who are in the position of seller and buyer in respect to the
goods (Section 2.707).
(c) "Between merchants" means in any transaction with respect to
which both parties are chargeable with the knowledge or skill of
merchants.
Acts 1967, 60th Leg., p. 2343, ch. 785, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1967.
Amended by:
Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 122 (S.B. 1593), Sec. 4, eff. September
1, 2005.
Sec. 2.105. DEFINITIONS: TRANSFERABILITY; "GOODS"; "FUTURE"
GOODS; "LOT"; "COMMERCIAL UNIT". (a) "Goods" means all things
(including specially manufactured goods) which are movable at the time
of identification to the contract for sale other than the money in
which the price is to be paid, investment securities (Chapter 8) and
things in action. "Goods" also includes the unborn young of animals
and growing crops and other identified things attached to realty as
http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/BC/htm/BC.2.htm 3/57
5/19/2015 BUSINESS AND COMMERCE CODE CHAPTER 2. SALES
described in the section on goods to be severed from realty (Section
2.107).
(b) Goods must be both existing and identified before any
interest in them can pass. Goods which are not both existing and
identified are "future" goods. A purported present sale of future
goods or of any interest therein operates as a contract to sell.
(c) There may be a sale of a part interest in existing
identified goods.
(d) An undivided share in an identified bulk of fungible goods
is sufficiently identified to be sold although the quantity of the
bulk is not determined. Any agreed proportion of such a bulk or any
quantity thereof agreed upon by number, weight or other measure may to
the extent of the seller's interest in the bulk be sold to the buyer
who then becomes an owner in common.
(e) "Lot" means a parcel or a single article which is the
subject matter of a separate sale or delivery, whether or not it is
sufficient to perform the contract.
(f) "Commercial unit" means such a unit of goods as by
commercial usage is a single whole for purposes of sale and division
of which materially impairs its character or value on the market or in
use. A commercial unit may be a single article (as a machine) or a
set of articles (as a suite of furniture or an assortment of sizes) or
a quantity (as a bale, gross, or carload) or any other unit treated in
use or in the relevant market as a single whole.
Acts 1967, 60th Leg., p. 2343, ch. 785, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1967.
Sec. 2.106. DEFINITIONS: "CONTRACT"; "AGREEMENT"; "CONTRACT
FOR SALE"; "SALE"; "PRESENT SALE"; "CONFORMING" TO CONTRACT;
"TERMINATION"; "CANCELLATION". (a) In this chapter unless the
context otherwise requires "contract" and "agreement" are limited to
those relating to the present or future sale of goods. "Contract for
sale" includes both a present sale of goods and a contract to sell
goods at a future time. A "sale" consists in the passing of title
from the seller to the buyer for a price (Section 2.401). A "present
sale" means a sale which is accomplished by the making of the
contract.
(b) Goods or conduct including any part of a performance are
http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/BC/htm/BC.2.htm 4/57
5/19/2015 BUSINESS AND COMMERCE CODE CHAPTER 2. SALES
"conforming" or conform to the contract when they are in accordance
with the obligations under the contract.
(c) "Termination" occurs when either party pursuant to a power
created by agreement or law puts an end to the contract otherwise than
for its breach. On "termination" all obligations which are still
executory on both sides are discharged but any right based on prior
breach or performance survives.
(d) "Cancellation" occurs when either party puts an end to the
contract for breach by the other and its effect is the same as that of
"termination" except that the cancelling party also retains any remedy
for breach of the whole contract or any unperformed balance.
Acts 1967, 60th Leg., p. 2343, ch. 785, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1967.
Sec. 2.107. GOODS TO BE SEVERED FROM REALTY: RECORDING. (a) A
contract for the sale of minerals or the like (including oil and gas)
or a structure or its materials to be removed from realty is a
contract for the sale of goods within this chapter if they are to be
severed by the seller but until severance a purported present sale
thereof which is not effective as a transfer of an interest in land is
effective only as a contract to sell.
(b) A contract for the sale apart from the land of growing crops
or other things attached to realty and capable of severance without
material harm thereto but not described in Subsection (a) or of timber
to be cut is a contract for the sale of goods within this chapter
whether the subject matter is to be severed by the buyer or by the
seller even though it forms part of the realty at the time of
contracting, and the parties can by identification effect a present
sale before severance.
(c) The provisions of this section are subject to any third
party rights provided by the law relating to realty records, and the
contract for sale may be executed and recorded as a document
transferring an interest in land and shall then constitute notice to
third parties of the buyer's rights under the contract for sale.
Acts 1967, 60th Leg., p. 2343, ch. 785, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1967.
Amended by Acts 1973, 63rd Leg., p. 998, ch. 400, Sec. 3, eff. Jan. 1,
1974.
http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/BC/htm/BC.2.htm 5/57
5/19/2015 BUSINESS AND COMMERCE CODE CHAPTER 2. SALES
SUBCHAPTER B. FORM, FORMATION AND READJUSTMENT OF CONTRACT
Sec. 2.201. FORMAL REQUIREMENTS; STATUTE OF FRAUDS. (a)
Except as otherwise provided in this section a contract for the sale
of goods for the price of $500 or more is not enforceable by way of
action or defense unless there is some writing sufficient to indicate
that a contract for sale has been made between the parties and signed
by the party against whom enforcement is sought or by his authorized
agent or broker. A writing is not insufficient because it omits or
incorrectly states a term agreed upon but the contract is not
enforceable under this paragraph beyond the quantity of goods shown in
such writing.
(b) Between merchants if within a reasonable time a writing in
confirmation of the contract and sufficient against the sender is
received and the party receiving it has reason to know its contents,
it satisfies the requirements of Subsection (a) against such party
unless written notice of objection to its contents is given within ten
days after it is received.
(c) A contract which does not satisfy the requirements of
Subsection (a) but which is valid in other respects is enforceable
(1) if the goods are to be specially manufactured for the
buyer and are not suitable for sale to others in the ordinary course
of the seller's business and the seller, before notice of repudiation
is received and under circumstances which reasonably indicate that the
goods are for the buyer, has made either a substantial beginning of
their manufacture or commitments for their procurement; or
(2) if the party against whom enforcement is sought admits
in his pleading, testimony or otherwise in court that a contract for
sale was made, but the contract is not enforceable under this
provision beyond the quantity of goods admitted; or
(3) with respect to goods for which payment has been made
and accepted or which have been received and accepted (Section 2.606).
Acts 1967, 60th Leg., p. 2343, ch. 785, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1967.
Sec. 2.202. FINAL WRITTEN EXPRESSION: PAROL OR EXTRINSIC
EVIDENCE. Terms with respect to which the confirmatory memoranda of
the parties agree or which are otherwise set forth in a writing
http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/BC/htm/BC.2.htm 6/57
5/19/2015 BUSINESS AND COMMERCE CODE CHAPTER 2. SALES
intended by the parties as a final expression of their agreement with
respect to such terms as are included therein may not be contradicted
by evidence of any prior agreement or of a contemporaneous oral
agreement but may be explained or supplemented
(1) by course of performance, course of dealing, or usage of
trade (Section 1.303); and
(2) by evidence of consistent additional terms unless the
court finds the writing to have been intended also as a complete and
exclusive statement of the terms of the agreement.
Acts 1967, 60th Leg., p. 2343, ch. 785, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1967.
Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 542, Sec. 3, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Sec. 2.203. SEALS INOPERATIVE. The affixing of a seal to a
writing evidencing a contract for sale or an offer to buy or sell
goods does not constitute the writing a sealed instrument and the law
with respect to sealed instruments does not apply to such a contract
or offer.
Acts 1967, 60th Leg., p. 2343, ch. 785, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1967.
Sec. 2.204. FORMATION IN GENERAL. (a) A contract for sale of
goods may be made in any manner sufficient to show agreement,
including conduct by both parties which recognizes the existence of
such a contract.
(b) An agreement sufficient to constitute a contract for sale
may be found even though the moment of its making is undetermined.
(c) Even though one or more terms are left open a contract for
sale does not fail for indefiniteness if the parties have intended to
make a contract and there is a reasonably certain basis for giving an
appropriate remedy.
Acts 1967, 60th Leg., p. 2343, ch. 785, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1967.
Sec. 2.205. FIRM OFFERS. An offer by a merchant to buy or sell
goods in a signed writing which by its terms gives assurance that it
will be held open is not revocable, for lack of consideration, during
the time stated or if no time is stated for a reasonable time, but in
http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/BC/htm/BC.2.htm 7/57
5/19/2015 BUSINESS AND COMMERCE CODE CHAPTER 2. SALES
no event may such period of irrevocability exceed three months; but
any such term of assurance on a form supplied by the offeree must be
separately signed by the offeror.
Acts 1967, 60th Leg., p. 2343, ch. 785, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1967.
Sec. 2.206. OFFER AND ACCEPTANCE IN FORMATION OF CONTRACT. (a)
Unless otherwise unambiguously indicated by the language or
circumstances
(1) an offer to make a contract shall be construed as
inviting acceptance in any manner and by any medium reasonable in the
circumstances;
(2) an order or other offer to buy goods for prompt or
current shipment shall be construed as inviting acceptance either by a
prompt promise to ship or by the prompt or current shipment of
conforming or nonconforming goods, but such a shipment of non
conforming goods does not constitute an acceptance if the seller
seasonably notifies the buyer that the shipment is offered only as an
accommodation to the buyer.
(b) Where the beginning of a requested performance is a
reasonable mode of acceptance an offeror who is not notified of
acceptance within a reasonable time may treat the offer as having
lapsed before acceptance.
Acts 1967, 60th Leg., p. 2343, ch. 785, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1967.
Sec. 2.207. ADDITIONAL TERMS IN ACCEPTANCE OR CONFIRMATION. (a)
A definite and seasonable expression of acceptance or a written
confirmation which is sent within a reasonable time operates as an
acceptance even though it states terms additional to or different from
those offered or agreed upon, unless acceptance is expressly made
conditional on assent to the additional or different terms.
(b) The additional terms are to be construed as proposals for
addition to the contract. Between merchants such terms become part of
the contract unless:
(1) the offer expressly limits acceptance to the terms of
the offer;
(2) they materially alter it; or
http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/BC/htm/BC.2.htm 8/57
5/19/2015 BUSINESS AND COMMERCE CODE CHAPTER 2. SALES
(3) notification of objection to them has already been given
or is given within a reasonable time after notice of them is received.
(c) Conduct by both parties which recognizes the existence of a
contract is sufficient to establish a contract for sale although the
writings of the parties do not otherwise establish a contract. In
such case the terms of the particular contract consist of those terms
on which the writings of the parties agree, together with any
supplementary terms incorporated under any other provisions of this
title.
Acts 1967, 60th Leg., p. 2343, ch. 785, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1967.
Sec. 2.209. MODIFICATION, RESCISSION AND WAIVER. (a) An
agreement modifying a contract within this chapter needs no
consideration to be binding.
(b) A signed agreement which excludes modification or rescission
except by a signed writing cannot be otherwise modified or rescinded,
but except as between merchants such a requirement on a form supplied
by the merchant must be separately signed by the other party.
(c) The requirements of the statute of frauds section of this
chapter (Section 2.201) must be satisfied if the contract as modified
is within its provisions.
(d) Although an attempt at modification or rescission does not
satisfy the requirements of Subsection (b) or (c) it can operate as a
waiver.
(e) A party who has made a waiver affecting an executory portion
of the contract may retract the waiver by reasonable notification
received by the other party that strict performance will be required
of any term waived, unless the retraction would be unjust in view of a
material change of position in reliance on the waiver.
Acts 1967, 60th Leg., p. 2343, ch. 785, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1967.
Sec. 2.210. DELEGATION OF PERFORMANCE; ASSIGNMENT OF RIGHTS.
(a) A party may perform his duty through a delegate unless otherwise
agreed or unless the other party has a substantial interest in having
his original promisor perform or control the acts required by the
contract. No delegation of performance relieves the party delegating
http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/BC/htm/BC.2.htm 9/57
5/19/2015 BUSINESS AND COMMERCE CODE CHAPTER 2. SALES
of any duty to perform or any liability for breach.
(b) Unless otherwise agreed all rights of either seller or buyer
can be assigned except where the assignment would materially change
the duty of the other party, or increase materially the burden or risk
imposed on him by his contract, or impair materially his chance of
obtaining return performance. A right to damages for breach of the
whole contract or a right arising out of the assignor's due
performance of his entire obligation can be assigned despite agreement
otherwise.
(c) The creation, attachment, perfection, or enforcement of a
security interest in the seller's interest under a contract is not a
transfer that materially changes the duty of or increases materially
the burden or risk imposed on the buyer or impairs materially the
buyer's chance of obtaining return performance within the purview of
Subsection (b) unless, and then only to the extent that, enforcement
actually results in a delegation of material performance of the
seller. Even in that event, the creation, attachment, perfection, and
enforcement of the security interest remain effective, but (i) the
seller is liable to the buyer for damages caused by the delegation to
the extent that the damages could not reasonably be prevented by the
buyer, and (ii) a court having jurisdiction may grant other
appropriate relief, including cancellation of the contract for sale or
an injunction against enforcement of the security interest or
consummation of the enforcement.
(d) Unless the circumstances indicate the contrary a prohibition
of assignment of "the contract" is to be construed as barring only the
delegation to the assignee of the assignor's performance.
(e) An assignment of "the contract" or of "all my rights under
the contract" or an assignment in similar general terms is an
assignment of rights and unless the language or the circumstances (as
in an assignment for security) indicate the contrary, it is a
delegation of performance of the duties of the assignor and its
acceptance by the assignee constitutes a promise by him to perform
those duties. This promise is enforceable by either the assignor or
the other party to the original contract.
(f) The other party may treat any assignment which delegates
performance as creating reasonable grounds for insecurity and may
without prejudice to his rights against the assignor demand assurances
http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/BC/htm/BC.2.htm 10/57
5/19/2015 BUSINESS AND COMMERCE CODE CHAPTER 2. SALES
from the assignee (Section 2.609).
Acts 1967, 60th Leg., p. 2343, ch. 785, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1967.
Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 414, Sec. 2.15, eff. July 1,
2001.
SUBCHAPTER C. GENERAL OBLIGATION AND CONSTRUCTION OF CONTRACT
Sec. 2.301. GENERAL OBLIGATIONS OF PARTIES. The obligation of
the seller is to transfer and deliver and that of the buyer is to
accept and pay in accordance with the contract.
Acts 1967, 60th Leg., p. 2343, ch. 785, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1967.
Sec. 2.302. UNCONSCIONABLE CONTRACT OR CLAUSE. (a) If the
court as a matter of law finds the contract or any clause of the
contract to have been unconscionable at the time it was made the court
may refuse to enforce the contract, or it may enforce the remainder of
the contract without the unconscionable clause, or it may so limit the
application of any unconscionable clause as to avoid any
unconscionable result.
(b) When it is claimed or appears to the court that the contract
or any clause thereof may be unconscionable the parties shall be
afforded a reasonable opportunity to present evidence as to its
commercial setting, purpose and effect to aid the court in making the
determination.
Acts 1967, 60th Leg., p. 2343, ch. 785, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1967.
Sec. 2.303. ALLOCATION OR DIVISION OF RISKS. Where this chapter
allocates a risk or a burden as between the parties "unless otherwise
agreed", the agreement may not only shift the allocation but may also
divide the risk or burden.
Acts 1967, 60th Leg., p. 2343, ch. 785, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1967.
Sec. 2.304. PRICE PAYABLE IN MONEY, GOODS, REALTY, OR OTHERWISE.
(a) The price can be made payable in money or otherwise. If it is
payable in whole or in part in goods each party is a seller of the
http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/BC/htm/BC.2.htm 11/57
5/19/2015 BUSINESS AND COMMERCE CODE CHAPTER 2. SALES
goods which he is to transfer.
(b) Even though all or part of the price is payable in an
interest in realty the transfer of the goods and the seller's
obligations with reference to them are subject to this chapter, but
not the transfer of the interest in realty or the transferor's
obligations in connection therewith.
Acts 1967, 60th Leg., p. 2343, ch. 785, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1967.
Sec. 2.305. OPEN PRICE TERM. (a) The parties if they so intend
can conclude a contract for sale even though the price is not settled.
In such a case the price is a reasonable price at the time for
delivery if
(1) nothing is said as to price; or
(2) the price is left to be agreed by the parties and they
fail to agree; or
(3) the price is to be fixed in terms of some agreed market
or other standard as set or recorded by a third person or agency and
it is not so set or recorded.
(b) A price to be fixed by the seller or by the buyer means a
price for him to fix in good faith.
(c) When a price left to be fixed otherwise than by agreement of
the parties fails to be fixed through fault of one party the other may
at his option treat the contract as cancelled or himself fix a
reasonable price.
(d) Where, however, the parties intend not to be bound unless
the price be fixed or agreed and it is not fixed or agreed there is no
contract. In such a case the buyer must return any goods already
received or if unable so to do must pay their reasonable value at the
time of delivery and the seller must return any portion of the price
paid on account.
Acts 1967, 60th Leg., p. 2343, ch. 785, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1967.
Sec. 2.306. OUTPUT, REQUIREMENTS AND EXCLUSIVE DEALINGS. (a) A
term which measures the quantity by the output of the seller or the
requirements of the buyer means such actual output or requirements as
may occur in good faith, except that no quantity unreasonably
http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/BC/htm/BC.2.htm 12/57
5/19/2015 BUSINESS AND COMMERCE CODE CHAPTER 2. SALES
disproportionate to any stated estimate or in the absence of a stated
estimate to any normal or otherwise comparable prior output or
requirements may be tendered or demanded.
(b) A lawful agreement by either the seller or the buyer for
exclusive dealing in the kind of goods concerned imposes unless
otherwise agreed an obligation by the seller to use best efforts to
supply the goods and by the buyer to use best efforts to promote their
sale.
Acts 1967, 60th Leg., p. 2343, ch. 785, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1967.
Sec. 2.307. DELIVERY IN SINGLE LOT OR SEVERAL LOTS. Unless
otherwise agreed all goods called for by a contract for sale must be
tendered in a single delivery and payment is due only on such tender
but where the circumstances give either party the right to make or
demand delivery in lots the price if it can be apportioned may be
demanded for each lot.
Acts 1967, 60th Leg., p. 2343, ch. 785, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1967.
Sec. 2.308. ABSENCE OF SPECIFIED PLACE FOR DELIVERY. Unless
otherwise agreed
(1) the place for delivery of goods is the seller's place of
business or if he has none his residence; but
(2) in a contract for sale of identified goods which to the
knowledge of the parties at the time of contracting are in some other
place, that place is the place for their delivery; and
(3) documents of title may be delivered through customary
banking channels.
Acts 1967, 60th Leg., p. 2343, ch. 785, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1967.
Sec. 2.309. ABSENCE OF SPECIFIC TIME PROVISIONS; NOTICE OF
TERMINATION. (a) The time for shipment or delivery or any other
action under a contract if not provided in this chapter or agreed upon
shall be a reasonable time.
(b) Where the contract provides for successive performances but
is indefinite in duration it is valid for a reasonable time but unless
http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/BC/htm/BC.2.htm 13/57
5/19/2015 BUSINESS AND COMMERCE CODE CHAPTER 2. SALES
otherwise agreed may be terminated at any time by either party.
(c) Termination of a contract by one party except on the
happening of an agreed event requires that reasonable notification be
received by the other party and an agreement dispensing with
notification is invalid if its operation would be unconscionable.
Acts 1967, 60th Leg., p. 2343, ch. 785, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1967.
Sec. 2.310. OPEN TIME FOR PAYMENT OR RUNNING OF CREDIT;
AUTHORITY TO SHIP UNDER RESERVATION. Unless otherwise agreed
(1) payment is due at the time and place at which the buyer
is to receive the goods even though the place of shipment is the place
of delivery; and
(2) if the seller is authorized to send the goods he may
ship them under reservation, and may tender the documents of title,
but the buyer may inspect the goods after their arrival before payment
is due unless such inspection is inconsistent with the terms of the
contract (Section 2.513); and
(3) if delivery is authorized and made by way of documents
of title otherwise than by Subdivision (2) then payment is due
regardless of where the goods are to be received:
(A) at the time and place at which the buyer is to
receive delivery of the tangible documents; or
(B) at the time the buyer is to receive delivery of the
electronic documents and at the seller's place of business or if none,
the seller's residence; and
(4) where the seller is required or authorized to ship the
goods on credit the credit period runs from the time of shipment but
postdating the invoice or delaying its dispatch will correspondingly
delay the starting of the credit period.
Acts 1967, 60th Leg., p. 2343, ch. 785, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1967.
Amended by:
Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 122 (S.B. 1593), Sec. 5, eff. September
1, 2005.
Sec. 2.311. OPTIONS AND COOPERATION RESPECTING PERFORMANCE. (a)
An agreement for sale which is otherwise sufficiently definite
http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/BC/htm/BC.2.htm 14/57
5/19/2015 BUSINESS AND COMMERCE CODE CHAPTER 2. SALES
(Subsection (c) of Section 2.204) to be a contract is not made invalid
by the fact that it leaves particulars of performance to be specified
by one of the parties. Any such specification must be made in good
faith and within limits set by commercial reasonableness.
(b) Unless otherwise agreed specifications relating to
assortment of the goods are at the buyer's option and except as
otherwise provided in Subsections (a)(3) and (c) of Section 2.319
specifications or arrangements relating to shipment are at the
seller's option.
(c) Where such specification would materially affect the other
party's performance but is not seasonably made or where one party's
cooperation is necessary to the agreed performance of the other but is
not seasonably forthcoming, the other party in addition to all other
remedies
(1) is excused for any resulting delay in his own
performance; and
(2) may also either proceed to perform in any reasonable
manner or after the time for a material part of his own performance
treat the failure to specify or to cooperate as a breach by failure to
deliver or accept the goods.
Acts 1967, 60th Leg., p. 2343, ch. 785, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1967.
Sec. 2.312. WARRANTY OF TITLE AND AGAINST INFRINGEMENT; BUYER'S
OBLIGATION AGAINST INFRINGEMENT. (a) Subject to Subsection (b) there
is in a contract for sale a warranty by the seller that
(1) the title conveyed shall be good, and its transfer
rightful; and
(2) the goods shall be delivered free from any security
interest or other lien or encumbrance of which the buyer at the time
of contracting has no knowledge.
(b) A warranty under Subsection (a) will be excluded or modified
only by specific language or by circumstances which give the buyer
reason to know that the person selling does not claim title in himself
or that he is purporting to sell only such right or title as he or a
third person may have.
(c) Unless otherwise agreed a seller who is a merchant regularly
dealing in goods of the kind warrants that the goods shall be
http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/BC/htm/BC.2.htm 15/57
5/19/2015 BUSINESS AND COMMERCE CODE CHAPTER 2. SALES
delivered free of the rightful claim of any third person by way of
infringement or the like but a buyer who furnishes specifications to
the seller must hold the seller harmless against any such claim which
arises out of compliance with the specifications.
Acts 1967, 60th Leg., p. 2343, ch. 785, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1967.
Sec. 2.313. EXPRESS WARRANTIES BY AFFIRMATION, PROMISE,
DESCRIPTION, SAMPLE. (a) Express warranties by the seller are
created as follows:
(1) Any affirmation of fact or promise made by the seller to
the buyer which relates to the goods and becomes part of the basis of
the bargain creates an express warranty that the goods shall conform
to the affirmation or promise.
(2) Any description of the goods which is made part of the
basis of the bargain creates an express warranty that the goods shall
conform to the description.
(3) Any sample or model which is made part of the basis of
the bargain creates an express warranty that the whole of the goods
shall conform to the sample or model.
(b) It is not necessary to the creation of an express warranty
that the seller use formal words such as "warrant" or "guarantee" or
that he have a specific intention to make a warranty, but an
affirmation merely of the value of the goods or a statement purporting
to be merely the seller's opinion or commendation of the goods does
not create a warranty.
Acts 1967, 60th Leg., p. 2343, ch. 785, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1967.
Sec. 2.314. IMPLIED WARRANTY: MERCHANTABILITY; USAGE OF TRADE.
(a) Unless excluded or modified (Section 2.316), a warranty that the
goods shall be merchantable is implied in a contract for their sale if
the seller is a merchant with respect to goods of that kind. Under
this section the serving for value of food or drink to be consumed
either on the premises or elsewhere is a sale.
(b) Goods to be merchantable must be at least such as
(1) pass without objection in the trade under the contract
description; and
http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/BC/htm/BC.2.htm 16/57
5/19/2015 BUSINESS AND COMMERCE CODE CHAPTER 2. SALES
(2) in the case of fungible goods, are of fair average
quality within the description; and
(3) are fit for the ordinary purposes for which such goods
are used; and
(4) run, within the variations permitted by the agreement,
of even kind, quality and quantity within each unit and among all
units involved; and
(5) are adequately contained, packaged, and labeled as the
agreement may require; and
(6) conform to the promises or affirmations of fact made on
the container or label if any.
(c) Unless excluded or modified (Section 2.316) other implied
warranties may arise from course of dealing or usage of trade.
Acts 1967, 60th Leg., p. 2343, ch. 785, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1967.
Sec. 2.315. IMPLIED WARRANTY: FITNESS FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
Where the seller at the time of contracting has reason to know any
particular purpose for which the goods are required and that the buyer
is relying on the seller's skill or judgment to select or furnish
suitable goods, there is unless excluded or modified under the next
section an implied warranty that the goods shall be fit for such
purpose.
Acts 1967, 60th Leg., p. 2343, ch. 785, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1967.
Sec. 2.316. EXCLUSION OR MODIFICATION OF WARRANTIES. (a) Words
or conduct relevant to the creation of an express warranty and words
or conduct tending to negate or limit warranty shall be construed
wherever reasonable as consistent with each other; but subject to the
provisions of this chapter on parol or extrinsic evidence (Section
2.202) negation or limitation is inoperative to the extent that such
construction is unreasonable.
(b) Subject to Subsection (c), to exclude or modify the implied
warranty of merchantability or any part of it the language must
mention merchantability and in case of a writing must be conspicuous,
and to exclude or modify any implied warranty of fitness the exclusion
must be by a writing and conspicuous. Language to exclude all implied
http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/BC/htm/BC.2.htm 17/57
5/19/2015 BUSINESS AND COMMERCE CODE CHAPTER 2. SALES
warranties of fitness is sufficient if it states, for example, that
"There are no warranties which extend beyond the description on the
face hereof."
(c) Notwithstanding Subsection (b)
(1) unless the circumstances indicate otherwise, all implied
warranties are excluded by expressions like "as is", "with all faults"
or other language which in common understanding calls the buyer's
attention to the exclusion of warranties and makes plain that there is
no implied warranty; and
(2) when the buyer before entering into the contract has
examined the goods or the sample or model as fully as he desired or
has refused to examine the goods there is no implied warranty with
regard to defects which an examination ought in the circumstances to
have revealed to him; and
(3) an implied warranty can also be excluded or modified by
course of dealing or course of performance or usage of trade.
(d) Remedies for breach of warranty can be limited in accordance
with the provisions of this chapter on liquidation or limitation of
damages and on contractual modification of remedy (Sections 2.718 and
2.719).
(e) The implied warranties of merchantability and fitness shall
not be applicable to the furnishing of human blood, blood plasma, or
other human tissue or organs from a blood bank or reservoir of such
other tissues or organs. Such blood, blood plasma or tissue or organs
shall not for the purpose of this Title be considered commodities
subject to sale or barter, but shall be considered as medical
services.
(f) The implied warranties of merchantability and fitness do not
apply to the sale or barter of livestock or its unborn young.
Acts 1967, 60th Leg., p. 2343, ch. 785, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1967.
Amended by Acts 1979, 66th Leg., p. 190, ch. 99, Sec. 1, eff. May 2,
1979.
Sec. 2.317. CUMULATION AND CONFLICT OF WARRANTIES EXPRESS OR
IMPLIED. Warranties whether express or implied shall be construed as
consistent with each other and as cumulative, but if such construction
is unreasonable the intention of the parties shall determine which
http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/BC/htm/BC.2.htm 18/57
5/19/2015 BUSINESS AND COMMERCE CODE CHAPTER 2. SALES
warranty is dominant. In ascertaining that intention the following
rules apply:
(1) Exact or technical specifications displace an
inconsistent sample or model or general language of description.
(2) A sample from an existing bulk displaces inconsistent
general language of description.
(3) Express warranties displace inconsistent implied
warranties other than an implied warranty of fitness for a particular
purpose.
Acts 1967, 60th Leg., p. 2343, ch. 785, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1967.
Sec. 2.318. CHAPTER NEUTRAL ON QUESTION OF THIRD PARTY
BENEFICIARIES OF WARRANTIES OF QUALITY AND ON NEED FOR PRIVITY OF
CONTRACT. This chapter does not provide whether anyone other than a
buyer may take advantage of an express or implied warranty of quality
made to the buyer or whether the buyer or anyone entitled to take
advantage of a warranty made to the buyer may sue a third party other
than the immediate seller for deficiencies in the quality of the
goods. These matters are left to the courts for their determination.
Acts 1967, 60th Leg., p. 2343, ch. 785, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1967.
Sec. 2.319. F.O.B. AND F.A.S. TERMS. (a) Unless otherwise
agreed the term F.O.B. (which means "free on board") at a named place,
even though used only in connection with the stated price, is a
delivery term under which
(1) when the term is F.O.B. the place of shipment, the
seller must at that place ship the goods in the manner provided in
this chapter (Section 2.504) and bear the expense and risk of putting
them into the possession of the carrier; or
(2) when the term is F.O.B. the place of destination, the
seller must at his own expense and risk transport the goods to that
place and there tender delivery of them in the manner provided in this
chapter (Section 2.503);
(3) when under either Subdivision (1) or (2) the term is
also F.O.B. vessel, car or other vehicle, the seller must in addition
at his own expense and risk load the goods on board. If the term is
http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/BC/htm/BC.2.htm 19/57
5/19/2015 BUSINESS AND COMMERCE CODE CHAPTER 2. SALES
F.O.B. vessel the buyer must name the vessel and in an appropriate
case the seller must comply with the provisions of this chapter on the
form of bill of lading (Section 2.323).
(b) Unless otherwise agreed the term F.A.S. vessel (which means
"free alongside") at a named port, even though used only in connection
with the stated price, is a delivery term under which the seller must
(1) at his own expense and risk deliver the goods alongside
the vessel in the manner usual in that port or on a dock designated
and provided by the buyer; and
(2) obtain and tender a receipt for the goods in exchange
for which the carrier is under a duty to issue a bill of lading.
(c) Unless otherwise agreed in any case falling within
Subsection (a)(1) or (3) or Subsection (b) the buyer must seasonably
give any needed instructions for making delivery, including when the
term is F.A.S. or F.O.B. the loading berth of the vessel and in an
appropriate case its name and sailing date. The seller may treat the
failure of needed instructions as a failure of cooperation under this
chapter (Section 2.311). He may also at his option move the goods in
any reasonable manner preparatory to delivery or shipment.
(d) Under the term F.O.B. vessel or F.A.S. unless otherwise
agreed the buyer must make payment against tender of the required
documents and the seller may not tender nor the buyer demand delivery
of the goods in substitution for the documents.
Acts 1967, 60th Leg., p. 2343, ch. 785, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1967.
Sec. 2.320. C.I.F. AND C. & F. TERMS. (a) The term C.I.F.
means that the price includes in a lump sum the cost of the goods and
the insurance and freight to the named destination. The term C. & F.
or C.F. means that the price so includes cost and freight to the named
destination.
(b) Unless otherwise agreed and even though used only in
connection with the stated price and destination, the term C.I.F.
destination or its equivalent requires the seller at his own expense
and risk to
(1) put the goods into the possession of a carrier at the
port for shipment and obtain a negotiable bill or bills of lading
covering the entire transportation to the named destination; and
http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/BC/htm/BC.2.htm 20/57
5/19/2015 BUSINESS AND COMMERCE CODE CHAPTER 2. SALES
(2) load the goods and obtain a receipt from the carrier
(which may be contained in the bill of lading) showing that the
freight has been paid or provided for; and
(3) obtain a policy or certificate of insurance, including
any war risk insurance, of a kind and on terms then current at the
port of shipment in the usual amount, in the currency of the contract,
shown to cover the same goods covered by the bill of lading and
providing for payment of loss to the order of the buyer or for the
account of whom it may concern; but the seller may add to the price
the amount of the premium for any such war risk insurance; and
(4) prepare an invoice of the goods and procure any other
documents required to effect shipment or to comply with the contract;
and
(5) forward and tender with commercial promptness all the
documents in due form and with any indorsement necessary to perfect
the buyer's rights.
(c) Unless otherwise agreed the term C. & F. or its equivalent
has the same effect and imposes upon the seller the same obligations
and risks as a C.I.F. term except the obligation as to insurance.
(d) Under the term C.I.F. or C. & F. unless otherwise agreed the
buyer must make payment against tender of the required documents and
the seller may not tender nor the buyer demand delivery of the goods
in substitution for the documents.
Acts 1967, 60th Leg., p. 2343, ch. 785, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1967.
Sec. 2.321. C.I.F. OR C. & F.: "NET LANDED WEIGHTS"; "PAYMENT
ON ARRIVAL"; WARRANTY OF CONDITION ON ARRIVAL. Under a contract
containing a term C.I.F. or C. & F.
(a) Where the price is based on or is to be adjusted according
to "net landed weights", "delivered weights", "out turn" quantity or
quality or the like, unless otherwise agreed the seller must
reasonably estimate the price. The payment due on tender of the
documents called for by the contract is the amount so estimated, but
after final adjustment of the price a settlement must be made with
commercial promptness.
(b) An agreement described in Subsection (a) or any warranty of
quality or condition of the goods on arrival places upon the seller
http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/BC/htm/BC.2.htm 21/57
5/19/2015 BUSINESS AND COMMERCE CODE CHAPTER 2. SALES
the risk of ordinary deterioration, shrinkage and the like in
transportation but has no effect on the place or time of
identification to the contract for sale or delivery or on the passing
of the risk of loss.
(c) Unless otherwise agreed where the contract provides for
payment on or after arrival of the goods the seller must before
payment allow such preliminary inspection as is feasible; but if the
goods are lost delivery of the documents and payment are due when the
goods should have arrived.
Acts 1967, 60th Leg., p. 2343, ch. 785, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1967.
Sec. 2.322. DELIVERY "EXSHIP". (a) Unless otherwise agreed a
term for delivery of goods "exship" (which means from the carrying
vessel) or in equivalent language is not restricted to a particular
ship and requires delivery from a ship which has reached a place at
the named port of destination where goods of the kind are usually
discharged.
(b) Under such a term unless otherwise agreed
(1) the seller must discharge all liens arising out of the
carriage and furnish the buyer with a direction which puts the carrier
under a duty to deliver the goods; and
(2) the risk of loss does not pass to the buyer until the
goods leave the ship's tackle or are otherwise properly unloaded.
Acts 1967, 60th Leg., p. 2343, ch. 785, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1967.
Sec. 2.323. FORM OF BILL OF LADING REQUIRED IN OVERSEAS
SHIPMENT; "OVERSEAS". (a) Where the contract contemplates overseas
shipment and contains a term C.I.F. or C. & F. or F.O.B. vessel, the
seller unless otherwise agreed must obtain a negotiable bill of lading
stating that the goods have been loaded on board or, in the case of a
term C.I.F. or C. & F., received for shipment.
(b) Where in a case within Subsection (a) a bill of lading has
been issued in a set of parts, unless otherwise agreed if the
documents are not to be sent from abroad the buyer may demand tender
of the full set; otherwise only one part of the bill of lading need
be tendered. Even if the agreement expressly requires a full set
http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/BC/htm/BC.2.htm 22/57
5/19/2015 BUSINESS AND COMMERCE CODE CHAPTER 2. SALES
(1) due tender of a single part is acceptable within the
provisions of this chapter on cure of improper delivery (Subsection
(a) of Section 2.508); and
(2) even though the full set is demanded, if the documents
are sent from abroad the person tendering an incomplete set may
nevertheless require payment upon furnishing an indemnity which the
buyer in good faith deems adequate.
(c) A shipment by water or by air or a contract contemplating
such shipment is "overseas" insofar as by usage of trade or agreement
it is subject to the commercial, financing or shipping practices
characteristic of international deep water commerce.
Acts 1967, 60th Leg., p. 2343, ch. 785, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1967.
Sec. 2.324. "NO ARRIVAL, NO SALE" TERM. Under a term "no
arrival, no sale" or terms of like meaning, unless otherwise agreed,
(1) the seller must properly ship conforming goods and if
they arrive by any means he must tender them on arrival but he assumes
no obligation that the goods will arrive unless he has caused the non
arrival; and
(2) where without fault of the seller the goods are in part
lost or have so deteriorated as no longer to conform to the contract
or arrive after the contract time, the buyer may proceed as if there
had been casualty to identified goods (Section 2.613).
Acts 1967, 60th Leg., p. 2343, ch. 785, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1967.
Sec. 2.325. "LETTER OF CREDIT" TERM; "CONFIRMED CREDIT". (a)
Failure of the buyer seasonably to furnish an agreed letter of credit
is a breach of the contract for sale.
(b) The delivery to seller of a proper letter of credit suspends
the buyer's obligation to pay. If the letter of credit is dishonored,
the seller may on seasonable notification to the buyer require payment
directly from him.
(c) Unless otherwise agreed the term "letter of credit" or
"banker's credit" in a contract for sale means an irrevocable credit
issued by a financing agency of good repute and, where the shipment is
overseas, of good international repute. The term "confirmed credit"
http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/BC/htm/BC.2.htm 23/57
5/19/2015 BUSINESS AND COMMERCE CODE CHAPTER 2. SALES
means that the credit must also carry the direct obligation of such an
agency which does business in the seller's financial market.
Acts 1967, 60th Leg., p. 2343, ch. 785, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1967.
Sec. 2.326. SALE ON APPROVAL AND SALE OR RETURN; RIGHTS OF
CREDITORS. (a) Unless otherwise agreed, if delivered goods may be
returned by the buyer even though they conform to the contract, the
transaction is
(1) a "sale on approval" if the goods are delivered
primarily for use, and
(2) a "sale or return" if the goods are delivered primarily
for resale.
(b) Goods held on approval are not subject to the claims of the
buyer's creditors until acceptance; goods held on sale or return are
subject to such claims while in the buyer's possession.
(c) Any "or return" term of a contract for sale is to be treated
as a separate contract for sale within the statute of frauds section
of this chapter (Section 2.201) and as contradicting the sale aspect
of the contract within the provisions of this chapter on parol or
extrinsic evidence (Section 2.202).
Acts 1967, 60th Leg., p. 2343, ch. 785, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1967.
Amended by Acts 1977, 65th Leg., p. 1530, ch. 623, Sec. 4, eff. Aug.
29, 1977; Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 414, Sec. 2.16, eff. July 1,
2001.
Sec. 2.327. SPECIAL INCIDENTS OF SALE ON APPROVAL AND SALE OR
RETURN. (a) Under a sale on approval unless otherwise agreed
(1) although the goods are identified to the contract the
risk of loss and the title do not pass to the buyer until acceptance;
and
(2) use of the goods consistent with the purpose of trial is
not acceptance but failure seasonably to notify the seller of election
to return the goods is acceptance, and if the goods conform to the
contract acceptance of any part is acceptance of the whole; and
(3) after due notification of election to return, the return
is at the seller's risk and expense but a merchant buyer must follow
http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/BC/htm/BC.2.htm 24/57
5/19/2015 BUSINESS AND COMMERCE CODE CHAPTER 2. SALES
any reasonable instructions.
(b) Under a sale or return unless otherwise agreed
(1) the option to return extends to the whole or any
commercial unit of the goods while in substantially their original
condition, but must be exercised seasonably; and
(2) the return is at the buyer's risk and expense.
Acts 1967, 60th Leg., p. 2343, ch. 785, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1967.
Sec. 2.328. SALE BY AUCTION. (a) In a sale by auction if goods
are put up in lots each lot is the subject of a separate sale.
(b) A sale by auction is complete when the auctioneer so
announces by the fall of the hammer or in other customary manner.
Where a bid is made while the hammer is falling in acceptance of a
prior bid the auctioneer may in his discretion reopen the bidding or
declare the goods sold under the bid on which the hammer was falling.
(c) Such a sale is with reserve unless the goods are in explicit
terms put up without reserve. In an auction with reserve the
auctioneer may withdraw the goods at any time until he announces
completion of the sale. In an auction without reserve, after the
auctioneer calls for bids on an article or lot, that article or lot
cannot be withdrawn unless no bid is made within a reasonable time.
In either case a bidder may retract his bid until the auctioneer's
announcement of completion of the sale, but a bidder's retraction does
not revive any previous bid.
(d) If the auctioneer knowingly receives a bid on the seller's
behalf or the seller makes or procures such a bid, and notice has not
been given that liberty for such bidding is reserved, the buyer may at
his option avoid the sale or take the goods at the price of the last
good faith bid prior to the completion of the sale. This subsection
shall not apply to any bid at a forced sale.
Acts 1967, 60th Leg., p. 2343, ch. 785, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1967.
SUBCHAPTER D. TITLE, CREDITORS AND GOOD FAITH PURCHASERS
Sec. 2.401. PASSING OF TITLE; RESERVATION FOR SECURITY;
LIMITED APPLICATION OF THIS SECTION. Each provision of this chapter
http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/BC/htm/BC.2.htm 25/57
5/19/2015 BUSINESS AND COMMERCE CODE CHAPTER 2. SALES
with regard to the rights, obligations and remedies of the seller, the
buyer, purchasers or other third parties applies irrespective of title
to the goods except where the provision refers to such title. Insofar
as situations are not covered by the other provisions of this chapter
and matters concerning title become material the following rules
apply:
(a) Title to goods cannot pass under a contract for sale prior
to their identification to the contract (Section 2.501), and unless
otherwise explicitly agreed the buyer acquires by their identification
a special property as limited by this title. Any retention or
reservation by the seller of the title (property) in goods shipped or
delivered to the buyer is limited in effect to a reservation of a
security interest. Subject to these provisions and to the provisions
of the chapter on Secured Transactions (Chapter 9), title to goods
passes from the seller to the buyer in any manner and on any
conditions explicitly agreed on by the parties.
(b) Unless otherwise explicitly agreed title passes to the buyer
at the time and place at which the seller completes his performance
with reference to the physical delivery of the goods, despite any
reservation of a security interest and even though a document of title
is to be delivered at a different time or place; and in particular
and despite any reservation of a security interest by the bill of
lading
(1) if the contract requires or authorizes the seller to
send the goods to the buyer but does not require him to deliver them
at destination, title passes to the buyer at the time and place of
shipment; but
(2) if the contract requires delivery at destination, title
passes on tender there.
(c) Unless otherwise explicitly agreed where delivery is to be
made without moving the goods,
(1) if the seller is to deliver a tangible document of
title, title passes at the time when and the place where he delivers
such documents and if the seller is to deliver an electronic document
of title, title passes when the seller delivers the document; or
(2) if the goods are at the time of contracting already
identified and no documents are to be delivered, title passes at the
time and place of contracting.
http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/BC/htm/BC.2.htm 26/57
5/19/2015 BUSINESS AND COMMERCE CODE CHAPTER 2. SALES
(d) A rejection or other refusal by the buyer to receive or
retain the goods, whether or not justified, or a justified revocation
of acceptance revests title to the goods in the seller. Such
revesting occurs by operation of law and is not a "sale".
Acts 1967, 60th Leg., p. 2343, ch. 785, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1967.
Amended by:
Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 122 (S.B. 1593), Sec. 6, eff. September
1, 2005.
Sec. 2.402. RIGHTS OF SELLER'S CREDITORS AGAINST SOLD GOODS.
(a) Except as provided in Subsections (b) and (c), rights of
unsecured creditors of the seller with respect to goods which have
been identified to a contract for sale are subject to the buyer's
rights to recover the goods under this chapter (Sections 2.502 and
2.716).
(b) A creditor of the seller may treat a sale or an
identification of goods to a contract for sale as void if as against
him a retention of possession by the seller is fraudulent under any
rule of law of the state where the goods are situated, except that
retention of possession in good faith and current course of trade by a
merchantseller for a commercially reasonable time after a sale or
identification is not fraudulent.
(c) Nothing in this chapter shall be deemed to impair the rights
of creditors of the seller
(1) under the provisions of the chapter on Secured
Transactions (Chapter 9); or
(2) where identification to the contract or delivery is made
not in current course of trade but in satisfaction of or as security
for a preexisting claim for money, security or the like and is made
under circumstances which under any rule of law of the state where the
goods are situated would apart from this chapter constitute the
transaction a fraudulent transfer or voidable preference.
Acts 1967, 60th Leg., p. 2343, ch. 785, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1967.
Sec. 2.403. POWER TO TRANSFER; GOOD FAITH PURCHASE OF GOODS;
"ENTRUSTING". (a) A purchaser of goods acquires all title which his
http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/BC/htm/BC.2.htm 27/57
5/19/2015 BUSINESS AND COMMERCE CODE CHAPTER 2. SALES
transferor had or had power to transfer except that a purchaser of a
limited interest acquires rights only to the extent of the interest
purchased. A person with voidable title has power to transfer a good
title to a good faith purchaser for value. When goods have been
delivered under a transaction of purchase the purchaser has such power
even though
(1) the transferor was deceived as to the identity of the
purchaser, or
(2) the delivery was in exchange for a check which is later
dishonored, or
(3) it was agreed that the transaction was to be a "cash
sale", or
(4) the delivery was procured through fraud punishable as
larcenous under the criminal law.
(b) Any entrusting of possession of goods to a merchant who
deals in goods of that kind gives him power to transfer all rights of
the entruster to a buyer in ordinary course of business.
(c) "Entrusting" includes any delivery and any acquiescence in
retention of possession regardless of any condition expressed between
the parties to the delivery or acquiescence and regardless of whether
the procurement of the entrusting or the possessor's disposition of
the goods have been such as to be larcenous under the criminal law.
(d) The rights of other purchasers of goods and of lien
creditors are governed by the chapters on Secured Transactions
(Chapter 9) and Documents of Title (Chapter 7).
Acts 1967, 60th Leg., p. 2343, ch. 785, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1967.
Amended by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 570, Sec. 3, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.
SUBCHAPTER E. PERFORMANCE
Sec. 2.501. INSURABLE INTEREST IN GOODS; MANNER OF
IDENTIFICATION OF GOODS. (a) The buyer obtains a special property
and an insurable interest in goods by identification of existing goods
as goods to which the contract refers even though the goods so
identified are nonconforming and he has an option to return or reject
them. Such identification can be made at any time and in any manner
explicitly agreed to by the parties. In the absence of explicit
http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/BC/htm/BC.2.htm 28/57
5/19/2015 BUSINESS AND COMMERCE CODE CHAPTER 2. SALES
agreement identification occurs
(1) when the contract is made if it is for the sale of goods
already existing and identified;
(2) if the contract is for the sale of future goods other
than those described in Subdivision (3), when goods are shipped,
marked or otherwise designated by the seller as goods to which the
contract refers;
(3) when the crops are planted or otherwise become growing
crops or the young are conceived if the contract is for the sale of
unborn young to be born within twelve months after contracting or for
the sale of crops to be harvested within twelve months or the next
normal harvest season after contracting whichever is longer.
(b) The seller retains an insurable interest in goods so long as
title to or any security interest in the goods remains in him and
where the identification is by the seller alone he may until default
or insolvency or notification to the buyer that the identification is
final substitute other goods for those identified.
(c) Nothing in this section impairs any insurable interest
recognized under any other statute or rule of law.
Acts 1967, 60th Leg., p. 2343, ch. 785, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1967.
Sec. 2.502. BUYER'S RIGHT TO GOODS ON SELLER'S REPUDIATION,
FAILURE TO DELIVER, OR INSOLVENCY. (a) Subject to Subsections (b)
and (c) and even though the goods have not been shipped a buyer who
has paid a part or all of the price of goods in which he has a special
property under the provisions of the immediately preceding section may
on making and keeping good a tender of any unpaid portion of their
price recover them from the seller if:
(1) in the case of goods bought for personal, family, or
household purposes, the seller repudiates or fails to deliver as
required by the contract; or
(2) in all cases, the seller becomes insolvent within ten
days after receipt of the first installment on their price.
(b) The buyer's right to recover the goods under Subsection (a)
(1) vests upon acquisition of a special property, even if the seller
had not then repudiated or failed to deliver.
(c) If the identification creating his special property has been
http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/BC/htm/BC.2.htm 29/57
5/19/2015 BUSINESS AND COMMERCE CODE CHAPTER 2. SALES
made by the buyer he acquires the right to recover the goods only if
they conform to the contract for sale.
Acts 1967, 60th Leg., p. 2343, ch. 785, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1967.
Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 414, Sec. 2.17, eff. July 1,
2001.
Sec. 2.503. MANNER OF SELLER'S TENDER OF DELIVERY. (a) Tender
of delivery requires that the seller put and hold conforming goods at
the buyer's disposition and give the buyer any notification reasonably
necessary to enable him to take delivery. The manner, time and place
for tender are determined by the agreement and this chapter, and in
particular
(1) tender must be at a reasonable hour, and if it is of
goods they must be kept available for the period reasonably necessary
to enable the buyer to take possession; but
(2) unless otherwise agreed the buyer must furnish
facilities reasonably suited to the receipt of the goods.
(b) Where the case is within the next section respecting
shipment tender requires that the seller comply with its provisions.
(c) Where the seller is required to deliver at a particular
destination tender requires that he comply with Subsection (a) and
also in any appropriate case tender documents as described in
Subsections (d) and (e) of this section.
(d) Where goods are in the possession of a bailee and are to be
delivered without being moved
(1) tender requires that the seller either tender a
negotiable document of title covering such goods or procure
acknowledgment by the bailee of the buyer's right to possession of the
goods; but
(2) tender to the buyer of a nonnegotiable document of
title or of a written direction to the bailee to deliver is sufficient
tender unless the buyer seasonably objects, and receipt by the bailee
of notification of the buyer's rights fixes those rights as against
the bailee and all third persons; but risk of loss of the goods and
of any failure by the bailee to honor the nonnegotiable document of
title or to obey the direction remains on the seller until the buyer
has had a reasonable time to present the document or direction, and a
http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/BC/htm/BC.2.htm 30/57
5/19/2015 BUSINESS AND COMMERCE CODE CHAPTER 2. SALES
refusal by the bailee to honor the document or to obey the direction
defeats the tender.
(e) Where the contract requires the seller to deliver documents
(1) he must tender all such documents in correct form,
except as provided in this chapter with respect to bills of lading in
a set (Subsection (b) of Section 2.323); and
(2) tender through customary banking channels is sufficient
and dishonor of a draft accompanying or associated with the documents
constitutes nonacceptance or rejection.
Acts 1967, 60th Leg., p. 2343, ch. 785, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1967.
Amended by Acts 1983, 68th Leg., p. 1530, ch. 290, Sec. 1, eff. Aug.
29, 1983.
Amended by:
Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 122 (S.B. 1593), Sec. 7, eff. September
1, 2005.
Sec. 2.504. SHIPMENT BY SELLER. Where the seller is required or
authorized to send the goods to the buyer and the contract does not
require him to deliver them at a particular destination, then unless
otherwise agreed he must
(1) put the goods in the possession of such a carrier and
make such a contract for their transportation as may be reasonable
having regard to the nature of the goods and other circumstances of
the case; and
(2) obtain and promptly deliver or tender in due form any
document necessary to enable the buyer to obtain possession of the
goods or otherwise required by the agreement or by usage of trade;
and
(3) promptly notify the buyer of the shipment.
Failure to notify the buyer under Subdivision (3) or to make a
proper contract under Subdivision (1) is a ground for rejection only
if material delay or loss ensues.
Acts 1967, 60th Leg., p. 2343, ch. 785, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1967.
Sec. 2.505. SELLER'S SHIPMENT UNDER RESERVATION. (a) Where the
seller has identified goods to the contract by or before shipment:
http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/BC/htm/BC.2.htm 31/57
5/19/2015 BUSINESS AND COMMERCE CODE CHAPTER 2. SALES
(1) his procurement of a negotiable bill of lading to his
own order or otherwise reserves in him a security interest in the
goods. His procurement of the bill to the order of a financing agency
or of the buyer indicates in addition only the seller's expectation of
transferring that interest to the person named.
(2) a nonnegotiable bill of lading to himself or his
nominee reserves possession of the goods as security but except in a
case of conditional delivery (Subsection (b) of Section 2.507) a non
negotiable bill of lading naming the buyer as consignee reserves no
security interest even though the seller retains possession or control
of the bill of lading.
(b) When shipment by the seller with reservation of a security
interest is in violation of the contract for sale it constitutes an
improper contract for transportation within the preceding section but
impairs neither the rights given to the buyer by shipment and
identification of the goods to the contract nor the seller's powers as
a holder of a negotiable document of title.
Acts 1967, 60th Leg., p. 2343, ch. 785, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1967.
Amended by:
Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 122 (S.B. 1593), Sec. 8, eff. September
1, 2005.
Sec. 2.506. RIGHTS OF FINANCING AGENCY. (a) A financing agency
by paying or purchasing for value a draft which relates to a shipment
of goods acquires to the extent of the payment or purchase and in
addition to its own rights under the draft and any document of title
securing it any rights of the shipper in the goods including the right
to stop delivery and the shipper's right to have the draft honored by
the buyer.
(b) The right to reimbursement of a financing agency which has
in good faith honored or purchased the draft under commitment to or
authority from the buyer is not impaired by subsequent discovery of
defects with reference to any relevant document which was apparently
regular.
Acts 1967, 60th Leg., p. 2343, ch. 785, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1967.
Amended by:
http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/BC/htm/BC.2.htm 32/57
5/19/2015 BUSINESS AND COMMERCE CODE CHAPTER 2. SALES
Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 122 (S.B. 1593), Sec. 9, eff. September
1, 2005.
Sec. 2.507. EFFECT OF SELLER'S TENDER; DELIVERY ON CONDITION.
(a) Tender of delivery is a condition to the buyer's duty to accept
the goods and, unless otherwise agreed, to his duty to pay for them.
Tender entitles the seller to acceptance of the goods and to payment
according to the contract.
(b) Where payment is due and demanded on the delivery to the
buyer of goods or documents of title, his right as against the seller
to retain or dispose of them is conditional upon his making the
payment due.
Acts 1967, 60th Leg., p. 2343, ch. 785, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1967.
Sec. 2.508. CURE BY SELLER OF IMPROPER TENDER OR DELIVERY;
REPLACEMENT. (a) Where any tender or delivery by the seller is
rejected because nonconforming and the time for performance has not
yet expired, the seller may seasonably notify the buyer of his
intention to cure and may then within the contract time make a
conforming delivery.
(b) Where the buyer rejects a nonconforming tender which the
seller had reasonable grounds to believe would be acceptable with or
without money allowance the seller may if he seasonably notifies the
buyer have a further reasonable time to substitute a conforming
tender.
Acts 1967, 60th Leg., p. 2343, ch. 785, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1967.
Sec. 2.509. RISK OF LOSS IN THE ABSENCE OF BREACH. (a) Where
the contract requires or authorizes the seller to ship the goods by
carrier
(1) if it does not require him to deliver them at a
particular destination, the risk of loss passes to the buyer when the
goods are duly delivered to the carrier even though the shipment is
under reservation (Section 2.505); but
(2) if it does require him to deliver them at a particular
destination and the goods are there duly tendered while in the
http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/BC/htm/BC.2.htm 33/57
5/19/2015 BUSINESS AND COMMERCE CODE CHAPTER 2. SALES
possession of the carrier, the risk of loss passes to the buyer when
the goods are there duly so tendered as to enable the buyer to take
delivery.
(b) Where the goods are held by a bailee to be delivered without
being moved, the risk of loss passes to the buyer
(1) on the buyer's receipt of possession or control of a
negotiable document of title covering the goods; or
(2) on acknowledgment by the bailee of the buyer's right to
possession of the goods; or
(3) after the buyer's receipt of possession or control of a
nonnegotiable document of title or other written direction to
deliver, as provided in Subsection (d)(2) of Section 2.503.
(c) In any case not within Subsection (a) or (b), the risk of
loss passes to the buyer on his receipt of the goods if the seller is
a merchant; otherwise the risk passes to the buyer on tender of
delivery.
(d) The provisions of this section are subject to contrary
agreement of the parties and to the provisions of this chapter on sale
on approval (Section 2.327) and on effect of breach on risk of loss
(Section 2.510).
Acts 1967, 60th Leg., p. 2343, ch. 785, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1967.
Amended by Acts 1983, 68th Leg., p. 1531, ch. 290, Sec. 2, eff. Aug.
29, 1983.
Amended by:
Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 122 (S.B. 1593), Sec. 10, eff.
September 1, 2005.
Sec. 2.510. EFFECT OF BREACH ON RISK OF LOSS. (a) Where a
tender or delivery of goods so fails to conform to the contract as to
give a right of rejection the risk of their loss remains on the seller
until cure or acceptance.
(b) Where the buyer rightfully revokes acceptance he may to the
extent of any deficiency in his effective insurance coverage treat the
risk of loss as having rested on the seller from the beginning.
(c) Where the buyer as to conforming goods already identified to
the contract for sale repudiates or is otherwise in breach before risk
of their loss has passed to him, the seller may to the extent of any
http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/BC/htm/BC.2.htm 34/57
5/19/2015 BUSINESS AND COMMERCE CODE CHAPTER 2. SALES
deficiency in his effective insurance coverage treat the risk of loss
as resting on the buyer for a commercially reasonable time.
Acts 1967, 60th Leg., p. 2343, ch. 785, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1967.
Sec. 2.511. TENDER OF PAYMENT BY BUYER; PAYMENT BY CHECK. (a)
Unless otherwise agreed tender of payment is a condition to the
seller's duty to tender and complete any delivery.
(b) Tender of payment is sufficient when made by any means or in
any manner current in the ordinary course of business unless the
seller demands payment in legal tender and gives any extension of time
reasonably necessary to procure it.
(c) Subject to the provisions of this title on the effect of an
instrument on an obligation (Section 3.802), payment by check is
conditional and is defeated as between the parties by dishonor of the
check on due presentment.
Acts 1967, 60th Leg., p. 2343, ch. 785, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1967.
Sec. 2.512. PAYMENT BY BUYER BEFORE INSPECTION. (a) Where the
contract requires payment before inspection nonconformity of the
goods does not excuse the buyer from so making payment unless
(1) the nonconformity appears without inspection; or
(2) despite tender of the required documents circumstances
would justify injunction against honor under this title (Section
5.109(b)).
(b) Payment pursuant to Subsection (a) does not constitute an
acceptance of goods or impair the buyer's right to inspect or any of
his remedies.
Acts 1967, 60th Leg., p. 2343, ch. 785, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1967.
Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 4, Sec. 3, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Sec. 2.513. BUYER'S RIGHT TO INSPECTION OF GOODS. (a) Unless
otherwise agreed and subject to Subsection (c), where goods are
tendered or delivered or identified to the contract for sale, the
buyer has a right before payment or acceptance to inspect them at any
reasonable place and time and in any reasonable manner. When the
http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/BC/htm/BC.2.htm 35/57
5/19/2015 BUSINESS AND COMMERCE CODE CHAPTER 2. SALES
seller is required or authorized to send the goods to the buyer, the
inspection may be after their arrival.
(b) Expenses of inspection must be borne by the buyer but may be
recovered from the seller if the goods do not conform and are
rejected.
(c) Unless otherwise agreed and subject to the provisions of
this chapter on C.I.F. contracts (Subsection (c) of Section 2.321),
the buyer is not entitled to inspect the goods before payment of the
price when the contract provides
(1) for delivery "C.O.D." or on other like terms; or
(2) for payment against documents of title, except where
such payment is due only after the goods are to become available for
inspection.
(d) A place or method of inspection fixed by the parties is
presumed to be exclusive but unless otherwise expressly agreed it does
not postpone identification or shift the place for delivery or for
passing the risk of loss. If compliance becomes impossible,
inspection shall be as provided in this section unless the place or
method fixed was clearly intended as an indispensable condition
failure of which avoids the contract.
Acts 1967, 60th Leg., p. 2343, ch. 785, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1967.
Sec. 2.514. WHEN DOCUMENTS DELIVERABLE ON ACCEPTANCE; WHEN ON
PAYMENT. Unless otherwise agreed documents against which a draft is
drawn are to be delivered to the drawee on acceptance of the draft if
it is payable more than three days after presentment; otherwise, only
on payment.
Acts 1967, 60th Leg., p. 2343, ch. 785, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1967.
Sec. 2.515. PRESERVING EVIDENCE OF GOODS IN DISPUTE. In
furtherance of the adjustment of any claim or dispute
(1) either party on reasonable notification to the other and
for the purpose of ascertaining the facts and preserving evidence has
the right to inspect, test and sample the goods including such of them
as may be in the possession or control of the other; and
(2) the parties may agree to a third party inspection or
http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/BC/htm/BC.2.htm 36/57
5/19/2015 BUSINESS AND COMMERCE CODE CHAPTER 2. SALES
survey to determine the conformity or condition of the goods and may
agree that the findings shall be binding upon them in any subsequent
litigation or adjustment.
Acts 1967, 60th Leg., p. 2343, ch. 785, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1967.
SUBCHAPTER F. BREACH, REPUDIATION AND EXCUSE
Sec. 2.601. BUYER'S RIGHTS ON IMPROPER DELIVERY. Subject to the
provisions of this chapter on breach in installment contracts (Section
2.612) and unless otherwise agreed under the sections on contractual
limitations of remedy (Sections 2.718 and 2.719), if the goods or the
tender of delivery fail in any respect to conform to the contract, the
buyer may
(1) reject the whole; or
(2) accept the whole; or
(3) accept any commercial unit or units and reject the rest.
Acts 1967, 60th Leg., p. 2343, ch. 785, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1967.
Sec. 2.602. MANNER AND EFFECT OF RIGHTFUL REJECTION. (a)
Rejection of goods must be within a reasonable time after their
delivery or tender. It is ineffective unless the buyer seasonably
notifies the seller.
(b) Subject to the provisions of the two following sections on
rejected goods (Sections 2.603 and 2.604),
(1) after rejection any exercise of ownership by the buyer
with respect to any commercial unit is wrongful as against the seller;
and
(2) if the buyer has before rejection taken physical
possession of goods in which he does not have a security interest
under the provisions of this chapter (Subsection (c) of Section
2.711), he is under a duty after rejection to hold them with
reasonable care at the seller's disposition for a time sufficient to
permit the seller to remove them; but
(3) the buyer has no further obligations with regard to
goods rightfully rejected.
(c) The seller's rights with respect to goods wrongfully
http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/BC/htm/BC.2.htm 37/57
5/19/2015 BUSINESS AND COMMERCE CODE CHAPTER 2. SALES
rejected are governed by the provisions of this chapter on Seller's
remedies in general (Section 2.703).
Acts 1967, 60th Leg., p. 2343, ch. 785, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1967.
Sec. 2.603. MERCHANT BUYER'S DUTIES AS TO RIGHTFULLY REJECTED
GOODS. (a) Subject to any security interest in the buyer (Subsection
(c) of Section 2.711), when the seller has no agent or place of
business at the market of rejection a merchant buyer is under a duty
after rejection of goods in his possession or control to follow any
reasonable instructions received from the seller with respect to the
goods and in the absence of such instructions to make reasonable
efforts to sell them for the seller's account if they are perishable
or threaten to decline in value speedily. Instructions are not
reasonable if on demand indemnity for expenses is not forthcoming.
(b) When the buyer sells goods under Subsection (a), he is
entitled to reimbursement from the seller or out of the proceeds for
reasonable expenses of caring for and selling them, and if the
expenses include no selling commission then to such commission as is
usual in the trade or if there is none to a reasonable sum not
exceeding ten per cent on the gross proceeds.
(c) In complying with this section the buyer is held only to
good faith and good faith conduct hereunder is neither acceptance nor
conversion nor the basis of an action for damages.
Acts 1967, 60th Leg., p. 2343, ch. 785, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1967.
Sec. 2.604. BUYER'S OPTIONS AS TO SALVAGE OF RIGHTFULLY REJECTED
GOODS. Subject to the provisions of the immediately preceding section
on perishables if the seller gives no instructions within a reasonable
time after notification of rejection the buyer may store the rejected
goods for the seller's account or reship them to him or resell them
for the seller's account with reimbursement as provided in the
preceding section. Such action is not acceptance or conversion.
Acts 1967, 60th Leg., p. 2343, ch. 785, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1967.
Sec. 2.605. WAIVER OF BUYER'S OBJECTIONS BY FAILURE TO
http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/BC/htm/BC.2.htm 38/57
5/19/2015 BUSINESS AND COMMERCE CODE CHAPTER 2. SALES
PARTICULARIZE. (a) The buyer's failure to state in connection with
rejection a particular defect which is ascertainable by reasonable
inspection precludes him from relying on the unstated defect to
justify rejection or to establish breach
(1) where the seller could have cured it if stated
seasonably; or
(2) between merchants when the seller has after rejection
made a request in writing for a full and final written statement of
all defects on which the buyer proposes to rely.
(b) Payment against documents made without reservation of rights
precludes recovery of the payment for defects apparent in the
documents.
Acts 1967, 60th Leg., p. 2343, ch. 785, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1967.
Amended by:
Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 122 (S.B. 1593), Sec. 11, eff.
September 1, 2005.
Sec. 2.606. WHAT CONSTITUTES ACCEPTANCE OF GOODS. (a)
Acceptance of goods occurs when the buyer
(1) after a reasonable opportunity to inspect the goods
signifies to the seller that the goods are conforming or that he will
take or retain them in spite of their nonconformity; or
(2) fails to make an effective rejection (Subsection (a) of
Section 2.602), but such acceptance does not occur until the buyer has
had a reasonable opportunity to inspect them; or
(3) does any act inconsistent with the seller's ownership;
but if such act is wrongful as against the seller it is an acceptance
only if ratified by him.
(b) Acceptance of a part of any commercial unit is acceptance of
that entire unit.
Acts 1967, 60th Leg., p. 2343, ch. 785, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1967.
Sec. 2.607. EFFECT OF ACCEPTANCE; NOTICE OF BREACH; BURDEN OF
ESTABLISHING BREACH AFTER ACCEPTANCE; NOTICE OF CLAIM OR LITIGATION
TO PERSON ANSWERABLE OVER. (a) The buyer must pay at the contract
rate for any goods accepted.
http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/BC/htm/BC.2.htm 39/57
5/19/2015 BUSINESS AND COMMERCE CODE CHAPTER 2. SALES
(b) Acceptance of goods by the buyer precludes rejection of the
goods accepted and if made with knowledge of a nonconformity cannot
be revoked because of it unless the acceptance was on the reasonable
assumption that the nonconformity would be seasonably cured but
acceptance does not of itself impair any other remedy provided by this
chapter for nonconformity.
(c) Where a tender has been accepted
(1) the buyer must within a reasonable time after he
discovers or should have discovered any breach notify the seller of
breach or be barred from any remedy; and
(2) if the claim is one for infringement or the like
(Subsection (c) of Section 2.312) and the buyer is sued as a result of
such a breach he must so notify the seller within a reasonable time
after he receives notice of the litigation or be barred from any
remedy over for liability established by the litigation.
(d) The burden is on the buyer to establish any breach with
respect to the goods accepted.
(e) Where the buyer is sued for breach of a warranty or other
obligation for which his seller is answerable over
(1) he may give his seller written notice of the litigation.
If the notice states that the seller may come in and defend and that
if the seller does not do so he will be bound in any action against
him by his buyer by any determination of fact common to the two
litigations, then unless the seller after seasonable receipt of the
notice does come in and defend he is so bound.
(2) if the claim is one for infringement or the like
(Subsection (c) of Section 2.312) the original seller may demand in
writing that his buyer turn over to him control of the litigation
including settlement or else be barred from any remedy over and if he
also agrees to bear all expense and to satisfy any adverse judgment,
then unless the buyer after seasonable receipt of the demand does turn
over control the buyer is so barred.
(f) The provisions of Subsections (c), (d) and (e) apply to any
obligation of a buyer to hold the seller harmless against infringement
or the like (Subsection (c) of Section 2.312).
Acts 1967, 60th Leg., p. 2343, ch. 785, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1967.
http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/BC/htm/BC.2.htm 40/57
5/19/2015 BUSINESS AND COMMERCE CODE CHAPTER 2. SALES
Sec. 2.608. REVOCATION OF ACCEPTANCE IN WHOLE OR IN PART. (a)
The buyer may revoke his acceptance of a lot or commercial unit whose
nonconformity substantially impairs its value to him if he has
accepted it
(1) on the reasonable assumption that its nonconformity
would be cured and it has not been seasonably cured; or
(2) without discovery of such nonconformity if his
acceptance was reasonably induced either by the difficulty of
discovery before acceptance or by the seller's assurances.
(b) Revocation of acceptance must occur within a reasonable time
after the buyer discovers or should have discovered the ground for it
and before any substantial change in condition of the goods which is
not caused by their own defects. It is not effective until the buyer
notifies the seller of it.
(c) A buyer who so revokes has the same rights and duties with
regard to the goods involved as if he had rejected them.
Acts 1967, 60th Leg., p. 2343, ch. 785, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1967.
Sec. 2.609. RIGHT TO ADEQUATE ASSURANCE OF PERFORMANCE. (a) A
contract for sale imposes an obligation on each party that the other's
expectation of receiving due performance will not be impaired. When
reasonable grounds for insecurity arise with respect to the
performance of either party the other may in writing demand adequate
assurance of due performance and until he receives such assurance may
if commercially reasonable suspend any performance for which he has
not already received the agreed return.
(b) Between merchants the reasonableness of grounds for
insecurity and the adequacy of any assurance offered shall be
determined according to commercial standards.
(c) Acceptance of any improper delivery or payment does not
prejudice the aggrieved party's right to demand adequate assurance of
future performance.
(d) After receipt of a justified demand failure to provide
within a reasonable time not exceeding thirty days such assurance of
due performance as is adequate under the circumstances of the
particular case is a repudiation of the contract.
http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/BC/htm/BC.2.htm 41/57
5/19/2015 BUSINESS AND COMMERCE CODE CHAPTER 2. SALES
Acts 1967, 60th Leg., p. 2343, ch. 785, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1967.
Sec. 2.610. ANTICIPATORY REPUDIATION. When either party
repudiates the contract with respect to a performance not yet due the
loss of which will substantially impair the value of the contract to
the other, the aggrieved party may
(1) for a commercially reasonable time await performance by
the repudiating party; or
(2) resort to any remedy for breach (Section 2.703 or
Section 2.711), even though he has notified the repudiating party that
he would await the latter's performance and has urged retraction; and
(3) in either case suspend his own performance or proceed in
accordance with the provisions of this chapter on the seller's right
to identify goods to the contract notwithstanding breach or to salvage
unfinished goods (Section 2.704).
Acts 1967, 60th Leg., p. 2343, ch. 785, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1967.
Sec. 2.611. RETRACTION OF ANTICIPATORY REPUDIATION. (a) Until
the repudiating party's next performance is due he can retract his
repudiation unless the aggrieved party has since the repudiation
cancelled or materially changed his position or otherwise indicated
that he considers the repudiation final.
(b) Retraction may be by any method which clearly indicates to
the aggrieved party that the repudiating party intends to perform, but
must include any assurance justifiably demanded under the provisions
of this chapter (Section 2.609).
(c) Retraction reinstates the repudiating party's rights under
the contract with due excuse and allowance to the aggrieved party for
any delay occasioned by the repudiation.
Acts 1967, 60th Leg., p. 2343, ch. 785, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1967.
Sec. 2.612. "INSTALLMENT CONTRACT"; BREACH. (a) An
"installment contract" is one which requires or authorizes the
delivery of goods in separate lots to be separately accepted, even
though the contract contains a clause "each delivery is a separate
contract" or its equivalent.
http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/BC/htm/BC.2.htm 42/57
5/19/2015 BUSINESS AND COMMERCE CODE CHAPTER 2. SALES
(b) The buyer may reject any installment which is nonconforming
if the nonconformity substantially impairs the value of that
installment and cannot be cured or if the nonconformity is a defect
in the required documents; but if the nonconformity does not fall
within Subsection (c) and the seller gives adequate assurance of its
cure the buyer must accept that installment.
(c) Whenever nonconformity or default with respect to one or
more installments substantially impairs the value of the whole
contract there is a breach of the whole. But the aggrieved party
reinstates the contract if he accepts a nonconforming installment
without seasonably notifying of cancellation or if he brings an action
with respect only to past installments or demands performance as to
future installments.
Acts 1967, 60th Leg., p. 2343, ch. 785, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1967.
Sec. 2.613. CASUALTY TO IDENTIFIED GOODS. Where the contract
requires for its performance goods identified when the contract is
made, and the goods suffer casualty without fault of either party
before the risk of loss passes to the buyer, or in a proper case under
a "no arrival, no sale" term (Section 2.324) then
(1) if the loss is total the contract is avoided; and
(2) if the loss is partial or the goods have so deteriorated
as no longer to conform to the contract the buyer may nevertheless
demand inspection and at his option either treat the contract as
avoided or accept the goods with due allowance from the contract price
for the deterioration or the deficiency in quantity but without
further right against the seller.
Acts 1967, 60th Leg., p. 2343, ch. 785, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1967.
Sec. 2.614. SUBSTITUTED PERFORMANCE. (a) Where without fault
of either party the agreed berthing, loading, or unloading facilities
fail or an agreed type of carrier becomes unavailable or the agreed
manner of delivery otherwise becomes commercially impracticable but a
commercially reasonable substitute is available, such substitute
performance must be tendered and accepted.
(b) If the agreed means or manner of payment fails because of
http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/BC/htm/BC.2.htm 43/57
5/19/2015 BUSINESS AND COMMERCE CODE CHAPTER 2. SALES
domestic or foreign governmental regulation, the seller may withhold
or stop delivery unless the buyer provides a means or manner of
payment which is commercially a substantial equivalent. If delivery
has already been taken, payment by the means or in the manner provided
by the regulation discharges the buyer's obligation unless the
regulation is discriminatory, oppressive or predatory.
Acts 1967, 60th Leg., p. 2343, ch. 785, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1967.
Sec. 2.615. EXCUSE BY FAILURE OF PRESUPPOSED CONDITIONS. Except
so far as a seller may have assumed a greater obligation and subject
to the preceding section on substituted performance:
(1) Delay in delivery or nondelivery in whole or in part by
a seller who complies with Subdivisions (2) and (3) is not a breach of
his duty under a contract for sale if performance as agreed has been
made impracticable by the occurrence of a contingency the non
occurrence of which was a basic assumption on which the contract was
made or by compliance in good faith with any applicable foreign or
domestic governmental regulation or order whether or not it later
proves to be invalid.
(2) Where the causes mentioned in Subdivision (1) affect
only a part of the seller's capacity to perform, he must allocate
production and deliveries among his customers but may at his option
include regular customers not then under contract as well as his own
requirements for further manufacture. He may so allocate in any
manner which is fair and reasonable.
(3) The seller must notify the buyer seasonably that there
will be delay or nondelivery and, when allocation is required under
Subdivision (2), of the estimated quota thus made available for the
buyer.
Acts 1967, 60th Leg., p. 2343, ch. 785, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1967.
Sec. 2.616. PROCEDURE ON NOTICE CLAIMING EXCUSE. (a) Where the
buyer receives notification of a material or indefinite delay or an
allocation justified under the preceding section he may by written
notification to the seller as to any delivery concerned, and where the
prospective deficiency substantially impairs the value of the whole
http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/BC/htm/BC.2.htm 44/57
5/19/2015 BUSINESS AND COMMERCE CODE CHAPTER 2. SALES
contract under the provisions of this chapter relating to breach of
installment contracts (Section 2.612), then also as to the whole,
(1) terminate and thereby discharge any unexecuted portion
of the contract; or
(2) modify the contract by agreeing to take his available
quota in substitution.
(b) If after receipt of such notification from the seller the
buyer fails so to modify the contract within a reasonable time not
exceeding thirty days the contract lapses with respect to any
deliveries affected.
(c) The provisions of this section may not be negated by
agreement except insofar as the seller has assumed a greater
obligation under the preceding section.
Acts 1967, 60th Leg., p. 2343, ch. 785, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1967.
SUBCHAPTER G. REMEDIES
Sec. 2.701. REMEDIES FOR BREACH OF COLLATERAL CONTRACTS NOT
IMPAIRED. Remedies for breach of any obligation or promise collateral
or ancillary to a contract for sale are not impaired by the provisions
of this chapter.
Acts 1967, 60th Leg., p. 2343, ch. 785, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1967.
Sec. 2.702. SELLER'S REMEDIES ON DISCOVERY OF BUYER'S
INSOLVENCY. (a) Where the seller discovers the buyer to be insolvent
he may refuse delivery except for cash including payment for all goods
theretofore delivered under the contract, and stop delivery under this
chapter (Section 2.705).
(b) Where the seller discovers that the buyer has received goods
on credit while insolvent he may reclaim the goods upon demand made
within ten days after the receipt, but if misrepresentation of
solvency has been made to the particular seller in writing within
three months before delivery the ten day limitation does not apply.
Except as provided in this subsection the seller may not base a right
to reclaim goods on the buyer's fraudulent or innocent
misrepresentation of solvency or of intent to pay.
http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/BC/htm/BC.2.htm 45/57
5/19/2015 BUSINESS AND COMMERCE CODE CHAPTER 2. SALES
(c) The seller's right to reclaim under Subsection (b) is
subject to the rights of a buyer in ordinary course or other good
faith purchaser or lien creditor under this chapter (Section 2.403).
Successful reclamation of goods excludes all other remedies with
respect to them.
Acts 1967, 60th Leg., p. 2343, ch. 785, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1967.
Sec. 2.703. SELLER'S REMEDIES IN GENERAL. Where the buyer
wrongfully rejects or revokes acceptance of goods or fails to make a
payment due on or before delivery or repudiates with respect to a part
or the whole, then with respect to any goods directly affected and, if
the breach is of the whole contract (Section 2.612), then also with
respect to the whole undelivered balance, the aggrieved seller may
(1) withhold delivery of such goods;
(2) stop delivery by any bailee as hereafter provided
(Section 2.705);
(3) proceed under the next section respecting goods still
unidentified to the contract;
(4) resell and recover damages as hereafter provided
(Section 2.706);
(5) recover damages for nonacceptance (Section 2.708) or in
a proper case the price (Section 2.709);
(6) cancel.
Acts 1967, 60th Leg., p. 2343, ch. 785, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1967.
Sec. 2.704. SELLER'S RIGHT TO IDENTIFY GOODS TO THE CONTRACT
NOTWITHSTANDING BREACH OR TO SALVAGE UNFINISHED GOODS. (a) An
aggrieved seller under the preceding section may
(1) identify to the contract conforming goods not already
identified if at the time he learned of the breach they are in his
possession or control;
(2) treat as the subject of resale goods which have
demonstrably been intended for the particular contract even though
those goods are unfinished.
(b) Where the goods are unfinished an aggrieved seller may in
the exercise of reasonable commercial judgment for the purposes of
http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/BC/htm/BC.2.htm 46/57
5/19/2015 BUSINESS AND COMMERCE CODE CHAPTER 2. SALES
avoiding loss and of effective realization either complete the
manufacture and wholly identify the goods to the contract or cease
manufacture and resell for scrap or salvage value or proceed in any
other reasonable manner.
Acts 1967, 60th Leg., p. 2343, ch. 785, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1967.
Sec. 2.705. SELLER'S STOPPAGE OF DELIVERY IN TRANSIT OR
OTHERWISE. (a) The seller may stop delivery of goods in the
possession of a carrier or other bailee when he discovers the buyer to
be insolvent (Section 2.702) and may stop delivery of carload,
truckload, planeload or larger shipments of express or freight when
the buyer repudiates or fails to make a payment due before delivery or
if for any other reason the seller has a right to withhold or reclaim
the goods.
(b) As against such buyer the seller may stop delivery until
(1) receipt of the goods by the buyer; or
(2) acknowledgment to the buyer by any bailee of the goods
except a carrier that the bailee holds the goods for the buyer; or
(3) such acknowledgment to the buyer by a carrier by
reshipment or as a warehouse; or
(4) negotiation to the buyer of any negotiable document of
title covering the goods.
(c)(1) To stop delivery the seller must so notify as to enable
the bailee by reasonable diligence to prevent delivery of the goods.
(2) After such notification the bailee must hold and deliver
the goods according to the directions of the seller but the seller is
liable to the bailee for any ensuing charges or damages.
(3) If a negotiable document of title has been issued for
goods the bailee is not obliged to obey a notification to stop until
surrender of possession or control of the document.
(4) A carrier who has issued a nonnegotiable bill of lading
is not obliged to obey a notification to stop received from a person
other than the consignor.
Acts 1967, 60th Leg., p. 2343, ch. 785, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1967.
Amended by:
Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 122 (S.B. 1593), Sec. 12, eff.
http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/BC/htm/BC.2.htm 47/57
5/19/2015 BUSINESS AND COMMERCE CODE CHAPTER 2. SALES
September 1, 2005.
Sec. 2.706. SELLER'S RESALE INCLUDING CONTRACT FOR RESALE. (a)
Under the conditions stated in Section 2.703 on seller's remedies, the
seller may resell the goods concerned or the undelivered balance
thereof. Where the resale is made in good faith and in a commercially
reasonable manner the seller may recover the difference between the
resale price and the contract price together with any incidental
damages allowed under the provisions of this chapter (Section 2.710),
but less expenses saved in consequence of the buyer's breach.
(b) Except as otherwise provided in Subsection (c) or unless
otherwise agreed resale may be at public or private sale including
sale by way of one or more contracts to sell or of identification to
an existing contract of the seller. Sale may be as a unit or in
parcels and at any time and place and on any terms but every aspect of
the sale including the method, manner, time, place and terms must be
commercially reasonable. The resale must be reasonably identified as
referring to the broken contract, but it is not necessary that the
goods be in existence or that any or all of them have been identified
to the contract before the breach.
(c) Where the resale is at private sale the seller must give the
buyer reasonable notification of his intention to resell.
(d) Where the resale is at public sale
(1) only identified goods can be sold except where there is
a recognized market for a public sale of futures in goods of the kind;
and
(2) it must be made at a usual place or market for public
sale if one is reasonably available and except in the case of goods
which are perishable or threaten to decline in value speedily the
seller must give the buyer reasonable notice of the time and place of
the resale; and
(3) if the goods are not to be within the view of those
attending the sale the notification of sale must state the place where
the goods are located and provide for their reasonable inspection by
prospective bidders; and
(4) the seller may buy.
(e) A purchaser who buys in good faith at a resale takes the
http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/BC/htm/BC.2.htm 48/57
5/19/2015 BUSINESS AND COMMERCE CODE CHAPTER 2. SALES
goods free of any rights of the original buyer even though the seller
fails to comply with one or more of the requirements of this section.
(f) The seller is not accountable to the buyer for any profit
made on any resale. A person in the position of a seller (Section
2.707) or a buyer who has rightfully rejected or justifiably revoked
acceptance must account for any excess over the amount of his security
interest, as hereinafter defined (Subsection (c) of Section 2.711).
Acts 1967, 60th Leg., p. 2343, ch. 785, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1967.
Sec. 2.707. "PERSON IN THE POSITION OF A SELLER". (a) A
"person in the position of a seller" includes as against a principal
an agent who has paid or become responsible for the price of goods on
behalf of his principal or anyone who otherwise holds a security
interest or other right in goods similar to that of a seller.
(b) A person in the position of a seller may as provided in this
chapter withhold or stop delivery (Section 2.705) and resell (Section
2.706) and recover incidental damages (Section 2.710).
Acts 1967, 60th Leg., p. 2343, ch. 785, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1967.
Sec. 2.708. SELLER'S DAMAGES FOR NONACCEPTANCE OR REPUDIATION.
(a) Subject to Subsection (b) and to the provisions of this chapter
with respect to proof of market price (Section 2.723), the measure of
damages for nonacceptance or repudiation by the buyer is the
difference between the market price at the time and place for tender
and the unpaid contract price together with any incidental damages
provided in this chapter (Section 2.710), but less expenses saved in
consequence of the buyer's breach.
(b) If the measure of damages provided in Subsection (a) is
inadequate to put the seller in as good a position as performance
would have done then the measure of damages is the profit (including
reasonable overhead) which the seller would have made from full
performance by the buyer, together with any incidental damages
provided in this chapter (Section 2.710), due allowance for costs
reasonably incurred and due credit for payments or proceeds of resale.
Acts 1967, 60th Leg., p. 2343, ch. 785, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1967.
http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/BC/htm/BC.2.htm 49/57
5/19/2015 BUSINESS AND COMMERCE CODE CHAPTER 2. SALES
Sec. 2.709. ACTION FOR THE PRICE. (a) When the buyer fails to
pay the price as it becomes due the seller may recover, together with
any incidental damages under the next section, the price
(1) of goods accepted or of conforming goods lost or damaged
within a commercially reasonable time after risk of their loss has
passed to the buyer; and
(2) of goods identified to the contract if the seller is
unable after reasonable effort to resell them at a reasonable price or
the circumstances reasonably indicate that such effort will be
unavailing.
(b) Where the seller sues for the price he must hold for the
buyer any goods which have been identified to the contract and are
still in his control except that if resale becomes possible he may
resell them at any time prior to the collection of the judgment. The
net proceeds of any such resale must be credited to the buyer and
payment of the judgment entitles him to any goods not resold.
(c) After the buyer has wrongfully rejected or revoked
acceptance of the goods or has failed to make a payment due or has
repudiated (Section 2.610), a seller who is held not entitled to the
price under this section shall nevertheless be awarded damages for
nonacceptance under the preceding section.
Acts 1967, 60th Leg., p. 2343, ch. 785, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1967.
Sec. 2.710. SELLER'S INCIDENTAL DAMAGES. Incidental damages to
an aggrieved seller include any commercially reasonable charges,
expenses or commissions incurred in stopping delivery, in the
transportation, care and custody of goods after the buyer's breach, in
connection with return or resale of the goods or otherwise resulting
from the breach.
Acts 1967, 60th Leg., p. 2343, ch. 785, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1967.
Sec. 2.711. BUYER'S REMEDIES IN GENERAL; BUYER'S SECURITY
INTEREST IN REJECTED GOODS. (a) Where the seller fails to make
delivery or repudiates or the buyer rightfully rejects or justifiably
revokes acceptance then with respect to any goods involved, and with
http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/BC/htm/BC.2.htm 50/57
5/19/2015 BUSINESS AND COMMERCE CODE CHAPTER 2. SALES
respect to the whole if the breach goes to the whole contract (Section
2.612), the buyer may cancel and whether or not he has done so may in
addition to recovering so much of the price as has been paid
(1) "cover" and have damages under the next section as to
all the goods affected whether or not they have been identified to the
contract; or
(2) recover damages for nondelivery as provided in this
chapter (Section 2.713).
(b) Where the seller fails to deliver or repudiates the buyer
may also
(1) if the goods have been identified recover them as
provided in this chapter (Section 2.502); or
(2) in a proper case obtain specific performance or replevy
the goods as provided in this chapter (Section 2.716).
(c) On rightful rejection or justifiable revocation of
acceptance a buyer has a security interest in goods in his possession
or control for any payments made on their price and any expenses
reasonably incurred in their inspection, receipt, transportation, care
and custody and may hold such goods and resell them in like manner as
an aggrieved seller (Section 2.706).
Acts 1967, 60th Leg., p. 2343, ch. 785, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1967.
Sec. 2.712. "COVER"; BUYER'S PROCUREMENT OF SUBSTITUTE GOODS.
(a) After a breach within the preceding section the buyer may "cover"
by making in good faith and without unreasonable delay any reasonable
purchase of or contract to purchase goods in substitution for those
due from the seller.
(b) The buyer may recover from the seller as damages the
difference between the cost of cover and the contract price together
with any incidental or consequential damages as hereinafter defined
(Section 2.715), but less expenses saved in consequence of the
seller's breach.
(c) Failure of the buyer to effect cover within this section
does not bar him from any other remedy.
Acts 1967, 60th Leg., p. 2343, ch. 785, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1967.
http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/BC/htm/BC.2.htm 51/57
5/19/2015 BUSINESS AND COMMERCE CODE CHAPTER 2. SALES
Sec. 2.713. BUYER'S DAMAGES FOR NONDELIVERY OR REPUDIATION.
(a) Subject to the provisions of this chapter with respect to proof
of market price (Section 2.723), the measure of damages for non
delivery or repudiation by the seller is the difference between the
market price at the time when the buyer learned of the breach and the
contract price together with any incidental and consequential damages
provided in this chapter (Section 2.715), but less expenses saved in
consequence of the seller's breach.
(b) Market price is to be determined as of the place for tender
or, in cases of rejection after arrival or revocation of acceptance,
as of the place of arrival.
Acts 1967, 60th Leg., p. 2343, ch. 785, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1967.
Sec. 2.714. BUYER'S DAMAGES FOR BREACH IN REGARD TO ACCEPTED
GOODS. (a) Where the buyer has accepted goods and given notification
(Subsection (c) of Section 2.607) he may recover as damages for any
nonconformity of tender the loss resulting in the ordinary course of
events from the seller's breach as determined in any manner which is
reasonable.
(b) The measure of damages for breach of warranty is the
difference at the time and place of acceptance between the value of
the goods accepted and the value they would have had if they had been
as warranted, unless special circumstances show proximate damages of a
different amount.
(c) In a proper case any incidental and consequential damages
under the next section may also be recovered.
Acts 1967, 60th Leg., p. 2343, ch. 785, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1967.
Sec. 2.715. BUYER'S INCIDENTAL AND CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES. (a)
Incidental damages resulting from the seller's breach include expenses
reasonably incurred in inspection, receipt, transportation and care
and custody of goods rightfully rejected, any commercially reasonable
charges, expenses or commissions in connection with effecting cover
and any other reasonable expense incident to the delay or other
breach.
(b) Consequential damages resulting from the seller's breach
http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/BC/htm/BC.2.htm 52/57
5/19/2015 BUSINESS AND COMMERCE CODE CHAPTER 2. SALES
include
(1) any loss resulting from general or particular
requirements and needs of which the seller at the time of contracting
had reason to know and which could not reasonably be prevented by
cover or otherwise; and
(2) injury to person or property proximately resulting from
any breach of warranty.
Acts 1967, 60th Leg., p. 2343, ch. 785, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1967.
Sec. 2.716. BUYER'S RIGHT TO SPECIFIC PERFORMANCE OR REPLEVIN.
(a) Specific performance may be decreed where the goods are unique or
in other proper circumstances.
(b) The decree for specific performance may include such terms
and conditions as to payment of the price, damages, or other relief as
the court may deem just.
(c) The buyer has a right of replevin for goods identified to
the contract if after reasonable effort he is unable to effect cover
for such goods or the circumstances reasonably indicate that such
effort will be unavailing or if the goods have been shipped under
reservation and satisfaction of the security interest in them has been
made or tendered. In the case of goods bought for personal, family,
or household purposes, the buyer's right of replevin vests upon
acquisition of a special property, even if the seller had not then
repudiated or failed to deliver.
Acts 1967, 60th Leg., p. 2343, ch. 785, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1967.
Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 414, Sec. 2.18, eff. July 1,
2001.
Sec. 2.717. DEDUCTION OF DAMAGES FROM THE PRICE. The buyer on
notifying the seller of his intention to do so may deduct all or any
part of the damages resulting from any breach of the contract from any
part of the price still due under the same contract.
Acts 1967, 60th Leg., p. 2343, ch. 785, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1967.
Sec. 2.718. LIQUIDATION OR LIMITATION OF DAMAGES; DEPOSITS.
http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/BC/htm/BC.2.htm 53/57
5/19/2015 BUSINESS AND COMMERCE CODE CHAPTER 2. SALES
(a) Damages for breach by either party may be liquidated in the
agreement but only at an amount which is reasonable in the light of
the anticipated or actual harm caused by the breach, the difficulties
of proof of loss, and the inconvenience or nonfeasibility of
otherwise obtaining an adequate remedy. A term fixing unreasonably
large liquidated damages is void as a penalty.
(b) Where the seller justifiably withholds delivery of goods
because of the buyer's breach, the buyer is entitled to restitution of
any amount by which the sum of his payments exceeds
(1) the amount to which the seller is entitled by virtue of
terms liquidating the seller's damages in accordance with Subsection
(a), or
(2) in the absence of such terms, twenty percent of the
value of the total performance for which the buyer is obligated under
the contract or $500, whichever is smaller.
(c) The buyer's right to restitution under Subsection (b) is
subject to offset to the extent that the seller establishes
(1) a right to recover damages under the provisions of this
chapter other than Subsection (a), and
(2) the amount or value of any benefits received by the
buyer directly or indirectly by reason of the contract.
(d) Where a seller has received payment in goods their
reasonable value or the proceeds of their resale shall be treated as
payments for the purposes of Subsection (b); but if the seller has
notice of the buyer's breach before reselling goods received in part
performance, his resale is subject to the conditions laid down in this
chapter on resale by an aggrieved seller (Section 2.706).
Acts 1967, 60th Leg., p. 2343, ch. 785, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1967.
Sec. 2.719. CONTRACTUAL MODIFICATION OR LIMITATION OF REMEDY.
(a) Subject to the provisions of Subsections (b) and (c) of this
section and of the preceding section on liquidation and limitation of
damages,
(1) the agreement may provide for remedies in addition to or
in substitution for those provided in this chapter and may limit or
alter the measure of damages recoverable under this chapter, as by
limiting the buyer's remedies to return of the goods and repayment of
http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/BC/htm/BC.2.htm 54/57
5/19/2015 BUSINESS AND COMMERCE CODE CHAPTER 2. SALES
the price or to repair and replacement of nonconforming goods or
parts; and
(2) resort to a remedy as provided is optional unless the
remedy is expressly agreed to be exclusive, in which case it is the
sole remedy.
(b) Where circumstances cause an exclusive or limited remedy to
fail of its essential purpose, remedy may be had as provided in this
title.
(c) Consequential damages may be limited or excluded unless the
limitation or exclusion is unconscionable. Limitation of
consequential damages for injury to the person in the case of consumer
goods is prima facie unconscionable but limitation of damages where
the loss is commercial is not.
Acts 1967, 60th Leg., p. 2343, ch. 785, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1967.
Sec. 2.720. EFFECT OF "CANCELLATION" OR "RESCISSION" ON CLAIMS
FOR ANTECEDENT BREACH. Unless the contrary intention clearly appears,
expressions of "cancellation" or "rescission" of the contract or the
like shall not be construed as a renunciation or discharge of any
claim in damages for an antecedent breach.
Acts 1967, 60th Leg., p. 2343, ch. 785, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1967.
Sec. 2.721. REMEDIES FOR FRAUD. Remedies for material
misrepresentation or fraud include all remedies available under this
chapter for nonfraudulent breach. Neither rescission or a claim for
rescission of the contract for sale nor rejection or return of the
goods shall bar or be deemed inconsistent with a claim for damages or
other remedy.
Acts 1967, 60th Leg., p. 2343, ch. 785, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1967.
Sec. 2.722. WHO CAN SUE THIRD PARTIES FOR INJURY TO GOODS.
Where a third party so deals with goods which have been identified to
a contract for sale as to cause actionable injury to a party to that
contract
(1) a right of action against the third party is in either
http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/BC/htm/BC.2.htm 55/57
5/19/2015 BUSINESS AND COMMERCE CODE CHAPTER 2. SALES
party to the contract for sale who has title to or a security interest
or a special property or an insurable interest in the goods; and if
the goods have been destroyed or converted a right of action is also
in the party who either bore the risk of loss under the contract for
sale or has since the injury assumed that risk as against the other;
(2) if at the time of the injury the party plaintiff did not
bear the risk of loss as against the other party to the contract for
sale and there is no arrangement between them for disposition of the
recovery, his suit or settlement is, subject to his own interest, as a
fiduciary for the other party to the contract;
(3) either party may with the consent of the other sue for
the benefit of whom it may concern.
Acts 1967, 60th Leg., p. 2343, ch. 785, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1967.
Sec. 2.723. PROOF OF MARKET PRICE: TIME AND PLACE. (a) If an
action based on anticipatory repudiation comes to trial before the
time for performance with respect to some or all of the goods, any
damages based on market price (Section 2.708 or Section 2.713) shall
be determined according to the price of such goods prevailing at the
time when the aggrieved party learned of the repudiation.
(b) If evidence of a price prevailing at the times or places
described in this chapter is not readily available the price
prevailing within any reasonable time before or after the time
described or at any other place which in commercial judgment or under
usage of trade would serve as a reasonable substitute for the one
described may be used, making any proper allowance for the cost of
transporting the goods to or from such other place.
(c) Evidence of a relevant price prevailing at a time or place
other than the one described in this chapter offered by one party is
not admissible unless and until he has given the other party such
notice as the court finds sufficient to prevent unfair surprise.
Acts 1967, 60th Leg., p. 2343, ch. 785, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1967.
Sec. 2.724. ADMISSIBILITY OF MARKET QUOTATIONS. Whenever the
prevailing price or value of any goods regularly bought and sold in
any established commodity market is in issue, reports in official
http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/BC/htm/BC.2.htm 56/57
5/19/2015 BUSINESS AND COMMERCE CODE CHAPTER 2. SALES
publications or trade journals or in newspapers or periodicals of
general circulation published as the reports of such market shall be
admissible in evidence. The circumstances of the preparation of such
a report may be shown to affect its weight but not its admissibility.
Acts 1967, 60th Leg., p. 2343, ch. 785, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1967.
Sec. 2.725. STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS IN CONTRACTS FOR SALE. (a)
An action for breach of any contract for sale must be commenced within
four years after the cause of action has accrued. By the original
agreement the parties may reduce the period of limitation to not less
than one year but may not extend it.
(b) A cause of action accrues when the breach occurs, regardless
of the aggrieved party's lack of knowledge of the breach. A breach of
warranty occurs when tender of delivery is made, except that where a
warranty explicitly extends to future performance of the goods and
discovery of the breach must await the time of such performance the
cause of action accrues when the breach is or should have been
discovered.
(c) Where an action commenced within the time limited by
Subsection (a) is so terminated as to leave available a remedy by
another action for the same breach such other action may be commenced
after the expiration of the time limited and within six months after
the termination of the first action unless the termination resulted
from voluntary discontinuance or from dismissal for failure or neglect
to prosecute.
(d) This section does not alter the law on tolling of the
statute of limitations nor does it apply to causes of action which
have accrued before this title becomes effective.
Acts 1967, 60th Leg., p. 2343, ch. 785, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1967.
http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/BC/htm/BC.2.htm 57/57