Title:
The Principles Of European Contract Law 1998, Parts I and II - (Parts I and II completed and revised)
Creator:
European Union
Rights:
Copyright (C) 1998 European Union
Publisher:
SiSU http://www.jus.uio.no/sisu (this copy)
Date:
1998-07
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THE PRINCIPLES OF EUROPEAN CONTRACT LAW - completed and revised version
1998
1
CHAPTER 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS
2
Section 1 - Scope of the Principles
3
Article 1.101 (ex art. 1.101) - Application of the Principles
4
(1) These Principles are intended to be applied as general rules of
contract law in the European Communities.
5
(2) These Principles will apply when the parties have agreed to
incorporate them into their contract or that their contract is to be
governed by them.
6
(3) These Principles may be applied when the parties:
7
(a) have agreed that their contract is to be governed by "general
principles of law", the "lex mercatoria" or the like; or
8
(b) have not chosen any system or rules of law to govern their
contract.
9
(4) These Principles may provide a solution to the issue raised where
the system or rules of law applicable do not do so.
10
Article 1.102 - Freedom of contract
11
(1) Parties are free to enter into a contract and to determine its
contents, subject to the requirements of good faith and fair dealing,
and the mandatory rules established by these Principles.
12
(2) The parties may exclude the application of any of the Principles or
derogate from or vary their effects, except as otherwise provided by
these Principles.
13
Article 1.103 - Mandatory Law
14
(1) Where the otherwise applicable law so allows, the parties may
choose to have their contract governed by the Principles, with the
effect that national mandatory rules are not applicable.
15
(2) Effect should nevertheless be given to those mandatory rules of
national, supranational and international law which, according to the
relevant rules of private international law, are applicable
irrespective of the law governing the contract.
16
Article 1.104 - Application to questions of consent
17
(1) The existence and validity of the agreement of the parties to adopt
or incorporate these Principles shall be determined by these
Principles.
18
(2) Nevertheless, a party may rely upon the law of the country in which
it has its habitual residence to establish that it did not consent if
it appears from the circumstances that it would not be reasonable to
determine the effect of its conduct in accordance with these
Principles.
19
Article 1.105 (ex art. 1.103) - Usages and Practices
20
(1) The parties are bound by any usage to which they have agreed and by
any practice they have established between themselves.
21
(2) The parties are bound by a usage which would be considered
generally applicable by persons in the same situation as the parties,
except where the application of such usage would be unreasonable.
22
Article 1.106 (ex art. 1.104) - Interpretation and Supplementation
23
(1) These Principles should be interpreted and developed in accordance
with their purposes. In particular, regard should be had to the need to
promote good faith and fair dealing, certainty in contractual
relationships and uniformity of application.
24
(2) Issues within the scope of these Principles but not expressly
settled by them are so far as possible to be settled in accordance with
the ideas underlying the Principles. Failing this, the legal system
applicable by virtue of the rules of private international law is to be
applied.
25
Article 1.107 (ex Art. 1.113) - Application of the Principles by Way of
Analogy
26
These Principles apply with appropriate modifications to agreements to
modify or end a contract, to unilateral promises and other statements
and conduct indicating intention.
27
Section 2 - General Obligations
28
Article 1.201 (ex art. 1.106) - Good Faith and Fair Dealing
29
(1) Each party must act in accordance with good faith and fair dealing.
30
(2) The parties may not exclude or limit this duty.
31
Article 1.202 (ex art. 1.107) - Duty to Co-operate
32
Each party owes to the other a duty to co-operate in order to give full
effect to the contract.
33
Section 3 - Terminology and Other Provisions
34
Article 1.301 (ex art. 1.105) - Meaning of Terms
35
In these Principles, except where the context otherwise requires:
36
(1) 'act' includes omission;
37
(2) 'court' includes arbitral tribunal;
38
(3) an 'intentional' act includes an act done recklessly;
39
(4) 'non-performance' denotes any failure to perform an obligation
under the contract, whether or not excused, and includes delayed
performance, defective performance and failure to co-operate in order
to give full effect to the contract.
40
(5) A matter is 'material' if it is one which a reasonable person in
the same situation as one party ought to have known would influence the
other party in its decision whether to contract on the proposed terms
or to contract at all. .
41
(6) 'Written' statements include communications made by telegram,
telex, telefax and electronic mail and other means of communication
capable of providing a readable record of the statement on both sides
42
Article 1.302 (ex art. 1.108) - Reasonableness
43
Under these Principles reasonableness is to be judged by what persons
acting in good faith and in the same situation as the parties would
consider to be reasonable. In particular, in assessing what is
reasonable the nature and purpose of the contract, the circumstances of
the case, and the usages and practices of the trades or professions
involved should be taken into account.
44
Article 1.303 (ex art. 1.110) - Notice
45
(1) Any notice may be given by any means, whether in writing or
otherwise, appropriate to the circumstances.
46
(2) Subject to paragraphs (4) and (5), any notice becomes effective
when it reaches the addressee.
47
(3) A notice reaches the addressee when it is delivered to it or to its
place of business or mailing address, or, if it does not have a place
of business or mailing address, to its habitual residence
48
(4) If one party gives notice to the other because of the other's
non-performance or because such non-performance is reasonably
anticipated by the first party, and the notice is properly dispatched
or given, a delay or inaccuracy in the transmission of the notice or
its failure to arrive does not prevent it from having effect. The
notice shall have effect from the time at which it would have arrived
in normal circumstances.
49
(5) A notice has no effect if a withdrawal of it reaches the addressee
before or at the same time as the notice.
50
(6) In this Article, 'notice' includes the communication of a promise,
statement, offer, acceptance, demand, request or other declaration.
51
Article 1.304 (ex art. 1.111) - Computation of Time
52
(1) A period of time set by a party in a written document for the
addressee to reply or take other action begins to run from the date
stated as the date of the document. If no date is shown, the period
begins to run from the moment the document reaches the addressee.
53
(2) Official holidays and official non-working days occurring during
the period are included in calculating the period. However, if the last
day of the period is an official holiday or official non-working day at
the address of the addressee, or at the place where a prescribed act is
to be performed, the period is extended until the first following
working day in that place.
54
(3) Periods of time expressed in days, weeks, months or years shall
begin at 00.00 on the next day and shall end at 24.00 on the last day
of the period; but any reply that has to reach the party who set the
period must arrive, or other act which is to be done must be completed,
by the normal close of business in the relevant place on the last day
of the period.
55
Article 1.305 (ex art. 1.109) - Imputed Knowledge and Intention
56
If any person who with a party's assent was involved in making a
contract, or who was entrusted with performance by a party or performed
with its assent:
57
(a) knew or foresaw a fact, or ought to have known or foreseen it; or
58
(b) acted intentionally or with gross negligence, or not in accordance
with good faith and fair dealing,
59
this knowledge, foresight or behaviour is imputed to the party itself.
60
CHAPTER 2 - FORMATION
61
Section 1 - General Provisions
62
Article 2.101 (ex art. 5.101) - Conditions for the Conclusion of a
Contract
63
(1) A contract is concluded if:
64
(a) the parties intend to be legally bound, and
65
(b) they reach a sufficient agreement
66
without any further requirement.
67
(2) A contract need not be concluded or evidenced in writing nor is it
subject to any other requirement as to form. The contract may be proved
by any means, including witnesses.
68
Article 2.102 (ex art. 5.102) - Intention
69
The intention of a party to be legally bound by contract is to be
determined from the party's statements or conduct as they were
reasonably understood by the other party.
70
Article 2.103 (ex art. 5.103) - Sufficient Agreement
71
(1) There is sufficient agreement if the terms:
72
(a) have been sufficiently defined by the parties so that the contract
can be enforced, or
73
(b) can be determined under these Principles.
74
(2) However, if one of the parties refuses to conclude a contract
unless the parties have agreed on some specific matter, there is no
contract unless agreement on that matter has been reached.
75
Article 2.104 (ex art. 5.103 A) - Terms not individually negotiated
76
(1) Contract terms which have not been individually negotiated may be
invoked against a party who did not know of them only if the party
invoking them took reasonable steps to bring them to the other party's
attention before or when the contract was concluded.
77
(2) Terms are not brought appropriately to a party's attention by a
mere reference to them in a contract document, even if that party signs
the document.
78
Article 2.105 (ex art. 5.106 A) - Merger Clause
79
(1) If a written contract contains an individually negotiated clause
stating that the writing embodies all the terms of the contract (a
merger clause), any prior statements, undertakings or agreements which
are not embodied in the writing do not form part of the contract.
80
(2) If the merger clause is not individually negotiated it will only
establish a presumption that the parties intended that their prior
statements, undertakings or agreements were not to form part of the
contract. This rule may not be excluded or restricted.
81
(3) The parties' prior statements may be used to interpret the
contract. This rule may not be excluded or restricted except by an
individually negotiated clause.
82
(4) A party may by its statements or conduct be precluded from
asserting a merger clause to the extent that the other party has
reasonably relied on them.
83
Article 2.106 (ex art. 5.106 B) - Written Modification only
84
(1) A clause in a written contract requiring any modification or ending
by agreement to be made in writing establishes only a presumption that
an agreement to modify or end the contract is not intended to be
legally binding unless it is in writing.
85
(2) A party may by its statements or conduct be precluded from
asserting such a clause to the extent that the other party has
reasonably relied on them.
86
Article 2.107 (ex art. 5.108) - Promises binding without acceptance
87
A promise which is intended to be legally binding without acceptance is
binding.
88
Section 2 - Offer and Acceptance
89
Article 2.201 (ex art. 5.201) - Offer
90
(1) A proposal amounts to an offer if:
91
(a) it is intended to result in a contract if the other party accepts
it, and
92
(b) it contains sufficiently definite terms to form a contract.
93
(2) An offer may be made to one or more specific persons or to the
public.
94
(3) A proposal to supply goods or services at stated prices made by a
professional supplier in a public advertisement or a catalogue, or by a
display of goods, is presumed to be an offer to sell or supply at that
price until the stock of goods, or the supplier's capacity to supply
the service, is exhausted.
95
Article 2.202 (ex art. 5.202) - Revocation of an Offer
96
(1) An offer may be revoked if the revocation reaches the offeree
before it has dispatched its acceptance or, in cases of acceptance by
conduct, before the contract has been concluded under Article 2.205(2)
or (3).
97
(2) An offer made to the public can be revoked by the same means as
were used to make the offer.
98
(3) However, a revocation of an offer is ineffective if:
99
(a) the offer indicates that it is irrevocable; or
100
(b) it states a fixed time for its acceptance; or
101
(c) it was reasonable for the offeree to rely on the offer as being
irrevocable and the offeree has acted in reliance on the offer.
102
Article 2.203 (ex art. 5.203) - Lapse of an Offer
103
When a rejection of an offer reaches the offeror, the offer lapses.
104
Article 2.204 (ex art. 5.204) - Acceptance
105
(1) Any form of statement or conduct by the offeree is an acceptance if
it indicates assent to the offer.
106
(2) Silence or inactivity does not in itself amount to acceptance.
107
Article 2.205 (ex art. 5.205) - Time of Conclusion of the Contract
108
(1) If an acceptance has been dispatched by the offeree the contract is
concluded when the acceptance reaches the offeror.
109
(2) In case of acceptance by conduct, the contract is concluded when
notice of the conduct reaches the offeror.
110
(3) If by virtue of the offer, of practices which the parties have
established between themselves, or of a usage, the offeree may accept
the offer by performing an act without notice to the offeror, the
contract is concluded when the performance of the act begins.
111
Article 2.206 (ex art. 5.206) - Time Limit for Acceptance
112
(1) In order to be effective, acceptance of an offer must reach the
offeror within the time fixed by it.
113
(2) If no time has been fixed by the offeror acceptance must reach it
within a reasonable time.
114
(3) In the case of an acceptance by an act of performance under art.
2.205 (3), that act must be performed within the time for acceptance
fixed by the offeror or, if no such time is fixed, within a reasonable
time.
115
Article 2.207 (ex art. 5.208) - Late Acceptance
116
(1) A late acceptance is nonetheless effective as an acceptance if
without delay the offeror informs the offeree that he treats it as
such.
117
(2) If a letter or other writing containing a late acceptance shows
that it has been sent in such circumstances that if its transmission
had been normal it would have reached the offeror in due time, the late
acceptance is effective as an acceptance unless, without delay, the
offeror informs the offeree that it considers its offer as having
lapsed.
118
Article 2.208 (ex art. 5.209) - Modified Acceptance
119
(1) A reply by the offeree which states or implies additional or
different terms which would materially alter the terms of the offer is
a rejection and a new offer.
120
(2) A reply which gives a definite assent to an offer operates as an
acceptance even if it states or implies additional or different terms,
provided these do not materially alter the terms of the offer. The
additional or different terms then become part of the contract.
121
(3) However, such a reply will be treated as a rejection of the offer
if:
122
(a) the offer expressly limits acceptance to the terms of the offer; or
123
(b) the offeror objects to the additional or different terms without
delay; or
124
(c) the offeree makes its acceptance conditional upon the offeror's
assent to the additional or different terms, and the assent does not
reach the offeree within a reasonable time.
125
Article 2.209 (ex art. 5.210) - Conflicting General conditions
126
(1) If the parties have reached agreement except that the offer and
acceptance refer to conflicting general conditions of contract, a
contract is nonetheless formed. The general conditions form part of the
contract to the extent that they are common in substance.
127
(2) However, no contract is formed if one party:
128
(a) has indicated in advance, explicitly, and not by way of general
conditions, that it does not intend to be bound by a contract on the
basis of paragraph (1); or
129
(b) without delay, informs the other party that it does not intend to
be bound by such contract.
130
(3) General conditions of contract are terms which have been formulated
in advance for an indefinite number of contracts of a certain nature,
and which have not been individually negotiated between the parties.
131
Article 2.210 (ex art. 5.211) - Professional's written confirmation
132
If professionals have concluded a contract but have not embodied it in
a final document, and one without delay sends the other a writing which
purports to be a confirmation of the contract but which contains
additional or different terms, such terms will become part of the
contract unless:
133
(a) the terms materially alter the terms of the contract, or
134
(b) the addressee objects to them without delay.
135
Article 2.211 (ex art. 5.212) - Contracts not Concluded through Offer
and Acceptance
136
The rules in this section apply with appropriate adaptations even
though the process of conclusion of a contract cannot be analysed into
offer and acceptance.
137
Section 3 - Liability for negotiations
138
Article 2.301 (ex art. 5.301) - Negotiations Contrary to Good Faith
139
(1) A party is free to negotiate and is not liable for failure to reach
an agreement.
140
(2) However, a party who has negotiated or broken off negotiations
contrary to good faith and fair dealing is liable for the losses caused
to the other party.
141
(3) It is contrary to good faith and fair dealing, in particular, for a
party to enter into or continue negotiations with no real intention of
reaching an agreement with the other party.
142
Article 2.302 (ex art. 5.302) - Breach of Confidentiality
143
If confidential information is given by one party in the course of
negotiations, the other party is under a duty not to disclose that
information or use it for its own purposes whether or not a contract is
subsequently concluded. The remedy for breach of this duty may include
compensation for loss suffered and restitution of the benefit received
by the other party.
144
CHAPTER 3 - AUTHORITY OF AGENTS
145
Section 1 - General Provisions
146
Article 3.101 - Scope of the Chapter
147
(1) This Chapter governs the authority of an agent or other
intermediary to bind its principal in relation to a contract with a
third party.
148
(2) This Chapter does not govern an agent's authority bestowed by law
or the authority of an agent appointed by a public or judicial
authority.
149
(3) This Chapter does not govern the internal relationship between the
agent or intermediary and its principal.
150
Article 3.102 - Categories of Representation
151
(1) Where an agent acts in the name of a principal, the rules on direct
representation apply (Section 2). It is irrelevant whether the
principal's identity is revealed at the time the agent acts or is to be
revealed later.
152
(2) Where an intermediary acts on instructions and on behalf of, but
not in the name of, a principal, or where the third party neither knows
nor has reason to know that the intermediary acts as an agent, the
rules on indirect representation apply (Section 3).
153
Section 2 - Direct Representation
154
Article 3.201 - Express, implied and apparent authority
155
(1) The principal's grant of authority to an agent to act in its name
may be express or may be implied from the circumstances.
156
(2) The agent has authority to perform all acts necessary in the
circumstances to achieve the purposes for which the authority was
granted.
157
(3) A person is to be treated as having granted authority to an
apparent agent if the person'sstatements or conduct induce the third
party reasonably and in good faith to believe that the apparent agent
has been granted authority for the act performed by it.
158
Article 3.202 - Agent acting in exercise of his authority
159
Where an agent is acting within its authority as defined by article
3.201, its acts bind the principal and the third party directly to each
other. The agent itself is not bound to the third party.
160
Article 3.203 - Unidentified Principal
161
If an agent enters into a contract in the name of a principal whose
identity is to be revealed later, but fails to reveal that identity
within a reasonable time after a request by the third party, the agent
itself is bound by the contract.
162
Article 3.204 - Agent acting without or outside his authority
163
(1) Where a person acting as an agent acts without authority or outside
the scope of its authority, its acts are not binding upon the principal
and the third party.
164
(2) Failing ratification by the principal according to article 3.207,
the agent is liable to pay the third party such damages as will place
the third party in the same position as if the agent had acted with
authority. This does not apply if the third party knew or could not
have been unaware of the agent's lack of authority.
165
Article 3.205 - Conflict of Interests
166
(1) If a contract concluded by an agent involves the agent in a
conflict of interest of which the third party knew or could not have
been unaware, the principal may avoid the contract according to the
provisions of articles 4.112 to 4.116.
167
(2) There is presumed to be a conflict of interest where:
168
(a) the agent also acted as agent for the third party; or
169
(b) the contract was with itself in its personal capacity.
170
(3) However, the principal may not avoid the contract:
171
(a) if it had consented to, or could not have been unaware of, the
agent's so acting; or
172
(b) if the agent had disclosed the conflict of interest to it and it
had not objected within a reasonable time.
173
Article 3.206 - Subagency
174
An agent has implied authority to appoint a subagent to carry out tasks
which are not of a personal character and which it is not reasonable to
expect the agent to carry out itself. The rules of this Section apply
to the subagency; acts of the subagent which are within its and the
agent's authority bind the principal and the third party directly to
each other.
175
Article 3.207 - Ratification by Principal
176
(1) Where a person acting as an agent acts without authority or outside
its authority, the principal may ratify the agent's acts.
177
(2) Upon ratification, the agent's acts are considered as having been
authorised, without prejudice to the rights of other persons.
178
Article 3.208 - Third Party's Right with Respect to Confirmation of
Authority
179
Where the statements or conduct of the principal gave the third party
reason to believe that an act performed by the agent was authorised,
but the third party is in doubt about the authorisation, it may send a
written confirmation to the principal or request ratification from it.
If the principal does not object or answer the request without delay,
the agent's act is treated as having been authorised.
180
Article 3.209 - Duration of Authority
181
(1) An agent's authority continues until the third party knows or ought
to know that:
182
(a) the agent's authority has been brought to an end by the principal,
the agent, or both; or
183
(b) the acts for which the authority had been granted have been
completed, or the time for which it had been granted has expired; or
184
(c) the agent has become insolvent or, where a natural person, has died
or become incapacitated; or
185
(d) the principal has become insolvent.
186
(2) The third party is considered to know that the agent's authority
has been brought to an end under paragraph(1) (a) above if this has
been communicated or publicised in the same manner in which the
authority was originally communicated or publicised.
187
(3) However, the agent remains authorised for a reasonable time to
perform those acts which are necessary to protect the interests of the
principal or its successors
188
Section 3 - Indirect Representation
189
Article 3.301 - Intermediaries not acting in the name of a Principal
190
(1) Where an intermediary acts:
191
(a) on instructions and on behalf, but not in the name, of a principal,
or
192
(b) on instructions from a principal but the third party does not know
and has no reason to know this,
193
the intermediary and the third party are bound to each other.
194
(2) The principal and the third party are bound to each other only
under the conditions set out in Articles 3.302 to 3.304.
195
Article 3.302 - Intermediary's Insolvency or Fundamental
Non-performance to Principal
196
If the intermediary becomes insolvent, or if it commits a fundamental
non-performance towards the principal, or if prior to the time for
performance it is clear that there will be a fundamental
non-performance:
197
(a) on the principal's demand, the intermediary shall communicate the
name and address of the third party to the principal; and
198
(b) the principal may exercise against the third party the rights
acquired on the principal's behalf by the intermediary, subject to any
defences which the third party may set up against the intermediary.
199
Article 3.303 - Intermediary's Insolvency or Fundamental
Non-performance to Third Party
200
If the intermediary becomes insolvent, or if it commits a fundamental
non-performance towards the third party, or if prior to the time for
performance it is clear that there will be a fundamental
non-performance:
201
(a) on the third party's demand, the intermediary shall communicate the
name and address of the principal to the third party; and
202
(b) the third party may exercise against the principal the rights which
the third party has against the intermediary, subject to any defences
which the intermediary may set up against the third party and those
which the principal may set up against the intermediary.
203
Article 3.304 - Requirement of Notice
204
The rights under Articles 3.302 and 3.303 may be exercised only if
notice of intention to exercise them is given to the intermediary and
to the third party or principal, respectively. Upon receipt of the
notice, the third party or the principal is no longer entitled to
render performance to the intermediary.
205
CHAPTER 4 - VALIDITY
206
Article 4.101 (ex art. 6.101) - Matters not Covered
207
This Chapter does not deal with invalidity arising from illegality,
immorality or lack of capacity.
208
Article 4.102 (ex art. 6.102) - Initial Impossibility
209
A contract is not invalid merely because at the time it was concluded
performance of the obligation assumed was impossible, or because a
party was not entitled to dispose of the assets to which the contract
relates.
210
Article 4.103 (ex art. 6.103) - Mistake as to facts or law
211
(1) A party may avoid a contract for mistake of fact or law existing
when the contract was concluded if:
212
(a) (i) the mistake was caused by information given by the other party;
or
213
(ii) the other party knew or ought to have known of the mistake and it
was contrary to good faith and fair dealing to leave the mistaken party
in error; or
214
(iii) the other party made the same mistake, and
215
(b) the other party knew or ought to have known that the mistaken
party, had it known the truth, would not have entered the contract or
would have done so only on fundamentally different terms.
216
(2) However a party may not avoid the contract if:
217
(a) in the circumstances its mistake was inexcusable, or
218
(b) the risk of the mistake was assumed, or in the circumstances should
be borne, by it.
219
Article 4.104 (ex art. 6.104) - Inaccuracy in communication
220
An inaccuracy in the expression or transmission of a statement is to be
treated as a mistake of the person who made or sent the statement and
Article 4.103 applies.
221
Article 4.105 (ex art. 6.105) - Adaptation of contract
222
(1) If a party is entitled to avoid the contract for mistake but the
other party indicates that it is willing to perform, or actually does
perform, the contract as it was understood by the party entitled to
avoid it, the contract is to be treated as if it had been concluded as
the that party understood it. The other party must indicate its
willingness to perform, or render such performance, promptly after
being informed of the manner in which the party entitled to avoid it
understood the contract and before that party acts in reliance on any
notice of avoidance.
223
(2) After such indication or performance the right to avoid is lost and
any earlier notice of avoidance is ineffective.
224
(3) Where both parties have made the same mistake, the court may at the
request of either party bring the contract into accordance with what
might reasonably have been agreed had the mistake not occurred.
225
Article 4.106 (ex art. 6.106) - Incorrect information
226
A party who has concluded a contract relying on incorrect information
given it by the other party may recover damages in accordance with
Article 4.117(2) and (3) even if the information does not give rise to
a right to avoid the contract on the ground of mistake under Article
4.103, unless the party who gave the information had reason to believe
that the information was correct.
227
Article 4.107 (ex art. 6.107) - Fraud
228
(1) A party may avoid a contract when it has been led to conclude it by
the other party's fraudulent representation, whether by words or
conduct, or fraudulent non-disclosure of any information which in
accordance with good faith and fair dealing it should have disclosed.
229
(2) A party's representation or non-disclosure is fraudulent if it was
intended to deceive.
230
(3) In determining whether good faith and fair dealing required that a
party disclose particular information, regard should be had to all the
circumstances, including:
231
(a) whether the party had special expertise;
232
(b) the cost to it of acquiring the relevant information;
233
(c) whether the other party could reasonably acquire the information
for itself; and
234
(d) the apparent importance of the information to the other party.
235
Article 4.108 (ex art. 6.108) - Threats
236
A party may avoid a contract when it has been led to conclude it by the
other party's imminent and serious threat of an act:
237
(a) which is wrongful in itself, or
238
(b) which it is wrongful to use as a means to obtain the conclusion of
the contract ,
239
unless in the circumstances the first party had a reasonable
alternative.
240
Article 4.109 (ex art. 6.109) - Excessive benefit or unfair advantage
241
(1) A party may avoid a contract if, at the time of the conclusion of
the contract:
242
(a) it was dependent on or had a relationship of trust with the other
party, was in economic distress or had urgent needs, was improvident,
ignorant, inexperienced or lacking in bargaining skill, and
243
(b) the other party knew or ought to have known of this and, given the
circumstances and purpose of the contract, took advantage of the first
party's situation in a way which was grossly unfair or took an
excessive benefit.
244
(2) Upon the request of the party entitled to avoidance, a court may if
it is appropriate adapt the contract in order to bring it into
accordance with what might have been agreed had the requirements of
good faith and fair dealing been followed.
245
(3) A court may similarly adapt the contract upon the request of a
party receiving notice of avoidance for excessive benefit or unfair
advantage, provided that this party informs the party who gave the
notice promptly after receiving it and before that party has acted in
reliance on it.
246
Article 4.110 (ex art. 6.110) -Unfair terms which have not been
individually negotiated
247
(1) A party may avoid a term which has not been individually negotiated
if, contrary to the requirements of good faith and fair dealing, it
causes a significant imbalance in the parties' rights and obligations
arising under the contract to the detriment of that party, taking into
account the nature of the performance to be rendered under the
contract, all the other terms of the contract and the circumstances at
the time the contract was concluded.
248
(2) This Article does not apply to:
249
(a) a term which defines the main subject matter of the contract,
provided the term is in plain and intelligible language; or to
250
(b) the adequacy in value of one party's obligations compared to the
value of the obligations of the other party.
251
Article 4.111 (ex art. 6.111) - Third persons
252
(1) Where a third person for whose acts a party is responsible, or who
with a party's assent is involved in the making of a contract:
253
(a) causes a mistake by giving information, or knows of or ought to
have known of a mistake,
254
(b) gives incorrect information,
255
(c) commits fraud,
256
(d) makes a threat, or
257
(e) takes excessive benefit or unfair advantage,
258
remedies under this Chapter will be available under the same conditions
as if the behaviour or knowledge had been that of the party itself.
259
(2) Where any other third person:
260
(a) gives incorrect information,
261
(b) commits fraud,
262
(c) makes a threat, or
263
(d) takes excessive benefit or unfair advantage,
264
remedies under this Chapter will be available if the party knew or
ought to have known of the relevant facts, or at the time of avoidance
it has not acted in reliance on the contract.
265
Article 4.112 (ex art. 6.112) - Notice of Avoidance
266
Avoidance must be by notice to the other party.
267
Article 4.113 (ex art. 4.113) - Time limits
268
(1) Notice of avoidance must be given within a reasonable time, with
due regard to the circumstances, after the avoiding party knew or ought
to have known of the relevant facts or became capable of acting freely.
269
(2) However, a party may avoid an individual term under Article 4.110
if it gives notice of avoidance within a reasonable time after the
other party has invoked the term.
270
Article 4.114 (ex art. 6.114) - Confirmation
271
If the party who is entitled to avoid a contract confirms it, expressly
or impliedly, after it knows of the ground for avoidance, or becomes
capable of acting freely, avoidance of the contract is excluded.
272
Article 4.115 (ex art. 6.116) - Effect of avoidance
273
On avoidance either party may claim restitution of whatever he has
supplied under the contract or the part of it avoided, provided he
makes concurrent restitution of whatever he has received under the
contract or the part of it avoided. If restitution cannot be made in
kind for any reason, a reasonable sum must be paid for what has been
received.
274
Article 4.116 (ex art. 6.115) - Partial avoidance
275
If a ground of avoidance affects only particular terms of a contract,
the effect of an avoidance is limited to those terms unless, giving due
consideration to all the circumstances of the case, it is unreasonable
to uphold the remaining contract.
276
Article 4.117 (ex art. 6.117) - Damages
277
(1) A party who avoids a contract under this Chapter may recover from
the other party damages so as to put the avoiding party as nearly as
possible into the same position as if it had not concluded the
contract, provided that the other party knew or ought to have known of
the mistake, fraud, threat or taking of excessive benefit or unfair
advantage.
278
(2) If a party has the right to avoid a contract under this Chapter,
but does not exercise its right or has lost its right under the
provisions of Articles 4.113 or 4.114, it may recover, subject to
paragraph (1), damages limited to the loss caused to it by the mistake,
fraud, threat or taking of excessive benefit or unfair advantage. The
same measure of damages shall apply when the party was misled by
incorrect information in the sense of Article 4.106.
279
(3) In other respects, the damages shall be in accordance with the
relevant provisions of Chapter 9, Section 5, with appropriate
adaptations.
280
Article 4.118 (ex. art. 6.118) - Exclusion or restriction of remedies
281
(1) Remedies for fraud, threats and excessive benefit or unfair
advantage-taking, and the right to avoid an unfair term which has not
been individually negotiated, cannot be excluded or restricted.
282
(2) Remedies for mistake and incorrect information may be excluded or
restricted unless the exclusion or restriction is contrary to good
faith and fair dealing.
283
Article 4.119 (ex art. 6.119) - Remedies for non-performance
284
A party who is entitled to a remedy under this Chapter in circumstances
which afford that party a remedy for non-performance may pursue either
remedy.
285
CHAPTER 5 - INTERPRETATION
286
Article 5.101 (Ex art. 7.101/ 101A) - General Rules of Interpretation
287
(1) A contract is to be interpreted according to the common intention
of the parties even if this differs from the literal meaning of the
words.
288
(2) If it is established that one party intended the contract to have a
particular meaning, and at the time of the conclusion of the contract
the other party could not have been unaware of the first party's
intention, the contract is to be interpreted in the way intended by the
first party.
289
(3) If an intention cannot be established according to (1) or (2), the
contract is to be interpreted according to the meaning that reasonable
persons of the same kind as the parties would give to it in the same
circumstances.
290
Article 5.102 (ex art. 7.102) - Relevant Circumstances
291
In interpreting the contract, regard shall be had, in particular, to:
292
(a) the circumstances in which it was concluded, including the
preliminary negotiations;
293
(b) the conduct of the parties, even subsequent to the conclusion of
the contract;
294
(c) the nature and purpose of the contract;
295
(d) the interpretation which has already been given to similar clauses
by the parties and the practices they have established between
themselves;
296
(e) the meaning commonly given to terms and expressions in the branch
of activity concerned and the interpretation similar clauses may
already have received;
297
(f) usages; and
298
(g) good faith and fair dealing
299
Article 5.103 (ex art. 7.103) - Contra Proferentem Rule
300
Where there is doubt about the meaning of a contract term not
individually negotiated, an interpretation of the term against the
party who supplied it is to be preferred.
301
Article 5.104 (ex art. 7.104) - Preference to Negotiated Terms
302
Terms which have been individually negotiated take preference over
those which are not.
303
Article 5.105 (ex art. 7.105) - Reference to Contract as a Whole
304
Terms are interpreted in the light of the whole contract in which they
appear.
305
Article 5.106 (ex art. 7.106) - Terms to Be Given (Full) Effect
306
An interpretation which renders the terms of the contract lawful, or
effective, is to be preferred to one which would not.
307
Article 5.107 (ex art. 7.107) - Linguistic Discrepancies
308
Where a contract is drawn up in two or more language versions none of
which is stated to be authoritative, there is, in case of discrepancy
between the versions, a preference for the interpretation according to
the version in which the contract was originally drawn up.
309
CHAPTER 6 - CONTENTS AND EFFECTS
310
Article 6.101 (ex art. 8.101) - Statements giving rise to contractual
obligation
311
(1) A statement made by one party before or when the contract is
concluded is to be treated as giving rise to a contractual obligation
if that is how the other party reasonably understood it in the
circumstances, taking into account:
312
(a) the apparent importance of the statement to the other party;
313
(b) whether the party was making the statement in the course of
business; and
314
(c) the relative expertise of the parties.
315
(2) If one of the parties is a professional supplier who gives
information about the quality or use of services or goods or other
property when marketing or advertising them or otherwise before the
contract for them is concluded, the statement is to be treated as
giving rise to a contractual obligation unless it is shown that the
other party knew or could not have been unaware that the statement was
incorrect.
316
(3) Such information and other undertakings given by a person
advertising or marketing services, goods or other property for the
professional supplier, or by a person in earlier links of the business
chain, are to be treated as giving rise to a contractual obligation on
the part of the professional supplier unless it did not know and had no
reason to know of the information or undertaking.
317
Article 6.102 (replaces 5.108) - Implied obligations
318
In addition to the express terms, a contract may contain implied terms
which stem from
319
(a) the intention of the parties,
320
(b) the nature and purpose of the contract, and
321
(c) good faith and fair dealing.
322
Article 6.103 - Simulation
323
When the parties have concluded an apparent contract which was not
intended to reflect their true agreement, as between the parties the
true agreement prevails
324
Article 6.104 (ex art. 2.101) - Determination of Price
325
Where the contract does not fix the price or the method of determining
it, the parties are to be treated as having agreed on a reasonable
price.
326
Article 6.105 (ex art. 2.102) - Unilateral Determination by a Party
327
Where the price or any other contractual term is to be determined by
one party whose determination is grossly unreasonable, then
notwithstanding any provision to the contrary, a reasonable price or
other term shall be substituted.
328
Article 6.106 (ex art. 2.103) - Determination by a Third Person
329
(1) Where the price or any other contractual term is to be determined
by a third person, and it cannot or will not do so, the parties are
presumed to have empowered the court to appoint another person to
determine it.
330
(2) If a price or other term fixed by a third person is grossly
unreasonable, a reasonable price or term shall be substituted.
331
Article 6.107 (ex art. 2.104) - Reference to a Non Existent Factor
332
Where the price or any other contractual term is to be determined by
reference to a factor which does not exist or has ceased to exist or to
be accessible, the nearest equivalent factor shall be substituted.
333
Article 6.108 (ex art. 2.105) - Quality of Performance
334
If the contract does not specify the quality, a party must tender
performance of at least average quality.
335
Article 6.109 (ex art. 2.109) - Contract for an Indefinite Period
336
A contract for an indefinite period may be ended by either party by
giving notice of reasonable length.
337
Article 6.110 (ex art. 2.115) - Stipulation in Favour of a Third Party
338
(1) A third party may require performance of a contractual obligation
when its right to do so has been expressly agreed upon between the
promisor and the promisee, or when such agreement is to be inferred
from the purpose of the contract or the circumstances of the case. The
third party need not be identified at the time the agreement is
concluded.
339
(2) If the third party renounces the right to performance the right is
treated as never having accrued to it.
340
(3) The promisee may by notice to the promisor deprive the third party
of the right to performance unless:
341
(a) the third party has received notice from the promisee that the
right has been made irrevocable, or
342
(b) the promisor or the promisee has received notice from the third
party that the latter accepts the right.
343
Article 6.111 (ex art. 2.117) - Change of Circumstances
344
(1) A party is bound to fulfil its obligations even if performance has
become more onerous, whether because the cost of performance has
increased or because the value of the performance it receives has
diminished.
345
(2) If, however, performance of the contract becomes excessively
onerous because of a change of circumstances, the parties are bound to
enter into negotiations with a view to adapting the contract or
terminating it, provided that:
346
(a) the change of circumstances occurred after the time of conclusion
of the contract,
347
(b) the possibility of a change of circumstances was not one which
could reasonably have been taken into account at the time of conclusion
of the contract, and
348
(c) the risk of the change of circumstances is not one which, according
to the contract, the party affected should be required to bear.
349
(3) If the parties fail to reach agreement within a reasonable period,
the court may:
350
(a) terminate the contract at a date and on terms to be determined by
the court; or
351
(b) adapt the contract in order to distribute between the parties in a
just and equitable manner the losses and gains resulting from the
change of circumstances.
352
In either case, the court may award damages for the loss suffered
through a party refusing to negotiate or breaking off negotiations
contrary to good faith and fair dealing.
353
CHAPTER 7 - PERFORMANCE
354
Article 7.101 (ex art. 2.106) - Place of Performance
355
(1) If the place of performance of a contractual obligation is not
fixed by or determinable from the contract it shall be:
356
(a) in the case of an obligation to pay money, the creditor's place of
business at the time of the conclusion of the contract;
357
(b) in the case of an obligation other than to pay money, the obligor's
place of business at the time of conclusion of the contract.
358
(2) If a party has more than one place of business, the place of
business for the purpose of the preceding paragraph is that which has
the closest relationship to the contract, having regard to the
circumstances known to or contemplated by the parties at the time of
conclusion of the contract.
359
(3) If a party does not have a place of business its habitual residence
is to be treated as its place of business.
360
Article 7.102 (ex art. 2.107) - Time of Performance
361
A party has to effect its performance:
362
(1) if a time is fixed by or determinable from the contract, at that
time;
363
(2) if a period of time is fixed by or determinable from the contract,
at any time within that period unless the circumstances of the case
indicate that the other party is to choose the time;
364
(3) in any other case, within a reasonable time after the conclusion of
the contract.
365
Article 7.103 (ex art. 2.108) - Early Performance
366
(1) A party may decline a tender of performance made before it is due
except where acceptance of the tender would not unreasonably prejudice
its interests.
367
(2) A party's acceptance of early performance does not affect the time
fixed for the performance of its own obligation.
368
Article 7.104 - Order of performance
369
To the extent that the performances of the parties can be rendered
simultaneously, the parties are bound to render them simultaneously
unless the circumstances indicate otherwise.
370
Article 7.105 - Alternative performance
371
(1) Where an obligation may be discharged by one of alternative
performances, the choice belongs to the party who is to perform, unless
the circumstances indicate otherwise.
372
(2) If the party who is to make the choice fails to do so by the time
required by the contract, then:
373
(a) if the delay in choosing is fundamental, the right to choose passes
to the other party;
374
(b) if the delay is not fundamental, the other party may give a notice
fixing an additional period of reasonable length in which the party to
choose must do so. If the latter fails to do so, the right to choose
passes to the other party.
375
Article 7.106 (ex art. 2.116) - Performance by a Third Person
376
(1) Except where the contract requires personal performance the obligee
cannot refuse performance by a third person if:
377
(a) the third person acts with the assent of the obligor; or
378
(b) the third person has a legitimate interest in performance and the
obligor has failed to perform or it is clear that it will not perform
at the time performance is due.
379
(2) Performance by the third person in accordance with paragraph (1)
discharges the obligor.
380
Article 7.107 (ex art. 2.110) - Form of Payment
381
(1) Payment of money due may be made in any form used in the ordinary
course of business.
382
(2) A creditor who, pursuant to the contract or voluntarily, accepts a
cheque or other order to pay or a promise to pay is presumed to do so
only on condition that it will be honoured. The creditor may not
enforce the original obligation to pay unless the order or promise is
not honoured.
383
Article 7.108 (ex art. 2.111) - Currency of Payment
384
(1) The parties may agree that payment shall be made only in a
specified currency.
385
(2) In the absence of such agreement, a sum of money expressed in a
currency other than that of the place where payment is due may be paid
in the currency of that place according to the rate of exchange
prevailing there at the time when payment is due.
386
(3) If, in a case falling within the preceding paragraph, the debtor
has not paid at the time when payment is due, the creditor may require
payment in the currency of the place where payment is due according to
the rate of exchange prevailing there either at the time when payment
is due or at the time of actual payment.
387
Article 7.109 (ex art. 2.112) - Appropriation of Performance
388
(1) Where a party has to perform several obligations of the same nature
and the performance tendered does not suffice to discharge all of the
obligations, then subject to paragraph 4 the party may at the time of
its performance declare to which obligation the performance is to be
appropriated.
389
(2) If the performing party does not make such a declaration, the other
party may within a reasonable time appropriate the performance to such
obligation as it chooses. It shall inform the performing party of the
choice. However, any such appropriation to an obligation which:
390
(a) is not yet due, or
391
(b) is illegal, or
392
(c) is disputed,
393
is invalid.
394
(3) In the absence of an appropriation by either party, and subject to
paragraph 4, the performance is appropriated to that obligation which
satisfies one of the following criteria in the sequence indicated:
395
(a) the obligation which is due or is the first to fall due;
396
(b) the obligation for which the obligee has the least security;
397
(c) the obligation which is the most burdensome for the obligor,
398
(d) the obligation which has arisen first.
399
If none of the preceding criteria applies, the performance is
appropriated proportionately to all obligations.
400
(4) In the case of a monetary obligation, a payment by the debtor is to
be appropriated, first, to expenses, secondly, to interest, and
thirdly, to principal, unless the creditor makes a different
appropriation.
401
Article 7.110 (ex art. 2.113) - Property Not Accepted
402
(1) A party who is left in possession of tangible property other than
money because of the other party's failure to accept or retake the
property must take reasonable steps to protect and preserve the
property.
403
(2) The party left in possession may discharge its duty to deliver or
return:
404
(a) by depositing the property on reasonable terms with a third person
to be held to the order of the other party, and notifying the other
party of this; or
405
(b) by selling the property on reasonable terms after notice to the
other party, and paying the net proceeds to that party.
406
(3) Where, however, the property is liable to rapid deterioration or
its preservation is unreasonably expensive, the party must take
reasonable steps to dispose of it. It may discharge its duty to deliver
or return by paying the net proceeds to the other party.
407
(4) The party left in possession is entitled to be reimbursed or to
retain out of the proceeds of sale any expenses reasonably incurred.
408
Article 7.111 (ex art. 2.114) - Money not Accepted
409
Where a party fails to accept money properly tendered by the other
party, that party may after notice to the first party discharge its
obligation to pay by depositing the money to the order of the first
party in accordance with the law of the place where payment is due
410
Article 7.112 - Costs of performance
411
Each party shall bear the costs of performance of its obligations.
412
CHAPTER 8 - NON-PERFORMANCE AND REMEDIES IN GENERAL
413
Article 8.101 (ex art. 3.101) - Remedies Available
414
(1) Whenever a party does not perform an obligation under the contract
and the non-performance is not excused under Article 8.108, the
aggrieved party may resort to any of the remedies set out in Chapter 9.
415
(2) Where a party's non-performance is excused under Article 8.108, the
aggrieved party may resort to any of the remedies set out in Chapter 9
except claiming performance and damages.
416
(3) A party may not resort to any of the remedies set out in Chapter 9
to the extent that its own act caused the other party's
non-performance.
417
Article 8.102 (ex art. 3.102) - Cumulation of Remedies
418
Remedies which are not incompatible may be cumulated. In particular, a
party is not deprived of its right to damages by exercising its right
to any other remedy.
419
Article 8.103 (ex art. 3.103) - Fundamental Non-Performance
420
A non-performance of an obligation is fundamental to the contract if:
421
(a) strict compliance with the obligation is of the essence of the
contract; or
422
(b) the non-performance substantially deprives the aggrieved party of
what it was entitled to expect under the contract, unless the other
party did not foresee and could not reasonably have foreseen that
result; or
423
(c) the non-performance is intentional and gives the aggrieved party
reason to believe that it cannot rely on the other party's future
performance.
424
Article 8.104 (ex art. 3.104) - Cure by Non-Performing Party
425
A party whose tender of performance is not accepted by the other party
because it does not conform to the contract may make a new and
conforming tender where the time for performance has not yet arrived or
the delay would not be such as to constitute a fundamental
non-performance.
426
Article 8.105 (ex art. 3.105) - Assurance of Performance
427
(1) A party who reasonably believes that there will be a fundamental
non-performance by the other party may demand adequate assurance of due
performance and meanwhile may withhold performance of its own
obligations so long as such reasonable belief continues.
428
(2) Where this assurance is not provided within a reasonable time, the
party demanding it may terminate the contract if it still reasonably
believes that there will be a fundamental non-performance by the other
party and gives notice of termination without delay.
429
Article 8.106 (ex art. 3.106) - Notice Fixing Additional Period for
Performance
430
(1) In any case of non-performance the aggrieved party may by notice to
the other party allow an additional period of time for performance.
431
(2) During the additional period the aggrieved party may withhold
performance of its own reciprocal obligations and may claim damages,
but it may not resort to any other remedy. If it receives notice from
the other party that the latter will not perform within that period, or
if upon expiry of that period due performance has not been made, the
aggrieved party may resort to any of the remedies that may be available
under Chapter 9.
432
(3) If in a case of delay in performance which is not fundamental the
aggrieved party has given a notice fixing an additional period of time
of reasonable length, it may terminate the contract at the end of the
period of notice. The aggrieved party may in its notice provide that if
the other party does not perform within the period fixed by the notice
the contract shall terminate automatically. If the period stated is too
short, the aggrieved party may terminate, or, as the case may be, the
contract shall terminate automatically, only after a reasonable period
from the time of the notice.
433
Article 8.107 (ex art. 3.107) - Performance Entrusted to Another
434
A party who entrusts performance of the contract to another person
remains responsible for performance.
435
Article 8.108 (ex art 3.108) - Excuse Due to an Impediment
436
(1) A party's non-performance is excused if it proves that it is due to
an impediment beyond its control and that it could not reasonably have
been expected to take the impediment into account at the time of the
conclusion of the contract, or to have avoided or overcome the
impediment or its consequences.
437
(2) Where the impediment is only temporary the excuse provided by this
article has effect for the period during which the impediment exists.
However, if the delay amounts to a fundamental non-performance, the
obligee may treat it as such.
438
(3) The non-performing party must ensure that notice of the impediment
and of its effect on its ability to perform is received by the other
party within a reasonable time after the non-performing party knew or
ought to have known of these circumstances. The other party is entitled
to damages for any loss resulting from the non-receipt of such notice.
439
Article 8.109 (ex 3.109) - Clause Limiting or Excluding Remedies
440
Remedies for non-performance may be excluded or restricted unless it
would be contrary to good faith and fair dealing to invoke the
exclusion or restriction.
441
CHAPTER 9 - PARTICULAR REMEDIES FOR NON-PERFORMANCE
442
Section 1 - Right to Performance
443
Article 9.101 (ex art. 4.101) - Monetary Obligations
444
(1) The creditor is entitled to recover money which is due.
445
(2) Where the creditor has not yet performed its obligation and it is
clear that the debtor will be unwilling to receive performance, the
creditor may nonetheless proceed with its performance and may recover
any sum due under the contract unless:
446
(a) it could have made a reasonable substitute transaction without
significant effort or expense; or
447
(b) performance would be unreasonable in the circumstances.
448
Article 9.102 (ex art. 4.102) - Non-monetary Obligations
449
(1) The aggrieved party is entitled to specific performance of an
obligation other than one to pay money, including the remedying of a
defective performance.
450
(2) Specific performance cannot, however, be obtained where:
451
(a) performance would be unlawful or impossible; or
452
(b) performance would cause the obligor unreasonable effort or expense;
or
453
(c) the performance consists in the provision of services or work of a
personal character or depends upon a personal relationship, or
454
(d) the aggrieved party may reasonably obtain performance from another
source.
455
(3) The aggrieved party will lose the right to specific performance if
it fails to seek it within a reasonable time after it has or ought to
have become aware of the non-performance.
456
Article 9.103 (ex art 4.103) - Damages Not Precluded
457
The fact that a right to performance is excluded under this Section
does not preclude a claim for damages.
458
Section 2 - Right To Withhold Performance
459
Article 9.201 (ex art 4.201) - Right to Withhold Performance
460
(1) A party who is to perform simultaneously with or after the other
party may withhold performance until the other has tendered performance
or has performed. The first party may withhold the whole of its
performance or a part of it as may be reasonable in the circumstances.
461
(2) A party may similarly withhold performance for as long as it is
clear that there will be a non-performance by the other party when the
other party's performance becomes due.
462
Section 3 - Termination Of The Contract
463
Article 9.301 (ex art. 4.301) - Right to Terminate the Contract
464
(1) A party may terminate the contract if the other party's
non-performance is fundamental.
465
(2) In the case of delay the aggrieved party may also terminate the
contract under Article 8.106 (3).
466
Article 9.302 (ex art 4.302) - Contract to be Performed in Parts
467
If the contract is to be performed in separate parts and in relation to
a part to which a counter-performance can be apportioned, there is a
fundamental non-performance, the aggrieved party may exercise its right
to terminate under this Section in relation to the part concerned. It
may terminate the contract as a whole only if the non-performance is
fundamental to the contract as a whole.
468
Article 9.303 (ex art. 4.303) - Notice of Termination
469
(1) A party's right to terminate the contract is to be exercised by
notice to the other party.
470
(2) The aggrieved party loses its right to terminate the contract
unless it gives notice within a reasonable time after it has or ought
to have become aware of the non-performance.
471
(3) (a) When performance has not been tendered by the time it was due,
the aggrieved party need not give notice of termination before a tender
has been made. If a tender is later made it loses its right to
terminate if it does not give such notice within a reasonable time
after it has or ought to have become aware of the tender.
472
(b) If, however, the aggrieved party knows or has reason to know that
the other party still intends to tender within a reasonable time, and
the aggrieved party unreasonably fails to notify the other party that
it will not accept performance, it loses its right to terminate if the
other party in fact tenders within a reasonable time.
473
(4) If a party is excused under Article 8.108 through an impediment
which is total and permanent, the contract is terminated automatically
and without notice at the time the impediment arises.
474
Article 9.304 (ex art. 4.304) - Anticipatory Non-Performance
475
Where prior to the time for performance by a party it is clear that
there will be a fundamental non-performance by it the other party may
terminate the contract.
476
Article 9.305 (ex art. 4.305) - Effects of Termination in General
477
(1) Termination of the contract releases both parties from their
obligation to effect and to receive future performance, but, subject to
Articles 9.306 to 9.308, does not affect the rights and liabilities
that have accrued up to the time of termination.
478
(2) Termination does not affect any provision of the contract for the
settlement of disputes or any other provision which is to operate even
after termination.
479
Article 9.306 (ex art. 4.306) - Property Reduced in Value
480
A party who terminates the contract may reject property previously
received from the other party if its value to the first party has been
fundamentally reduced as a result of the other party's non-performance.
481
Article 9.307 (ex art. 4.307) - Recovery of Money Paid
482
On termination of the contract a party may recover money paid for a
performance which it did not receive or which it properly rejected.
483
Article 9.308 (ex art 4.308) - Recovery of Property
484
On termination of the contract a party who has supplied property which
can be returned and for which it has not received payment or other
counter-performance may recover the property.
485
Article 9.309 (ex art. 4.309) - Recovery for Performance that Cannot be
Returned
486
On termination of the contract a party who has rendered a performance
which cannot be returned and for which it has not received payment or
other counter-performance may recover a reasonable amount for the value
of the performance to the other party.
487
Section 4 - Price Reduction
488
Article 9.401 (ex art 4.401) - Right to Reduce Price
489
(1) A party who accepts a tender of performance not conforming to the
contract may reduce the price. This reduction shall be proportionate to
the decrease in the value of the performance at the time this was
tendered compared to the value which a conforming tender would have had
at that time.
490
(2) A party who is entitled to reduce the price under the preceding
paragraph and who has already paid a sum exceeding the reduced price
may recover the excess from the other party.
491
(3) A party who reduces the price cannot also recover damages for
reduction in the value of the performance but remains entitled to
damages for any further loss it has suffered so far as these are
recoverable under Section 5 of this Chapter.
492
Section 5 - Damages and Interest
493
Article 9.501 (ex art. 4.501) - Right to Damages
494
(1) The aggrieved party is entitled to damages for loss caused by the
other party's non-performance which is not excused under Article 8.108.
495
(2) The loss for which damages are recoverable includes:
496
(a) non-pecuniary loss; and
497
(b) future loss which is reasonably likely to occur.
498
Article 9.502 (ex art 4.502) - General Measure of Damages
499
The general measure of damages is such sum as will put the aggrieved
party as nearly as possible into the position in which it would have
been if the contract had been duly performed. Such damages cover the
loss which the aggrieved party has suffered and the gain of which it
has been deprived.
500
Article 9.503 (ex art. 4.503) - Foreseeability
501
The non-performing party is liable only for loss which it foresaw or
could reasonably have foreseen at the time of conclusion of the
contract as a likely result of its non-performance, unless the
non-performance was intentional or grossly negligent.
502
Article 9.504 - Loss Attributable to Aggrieved Party (new; previously
part of 4.504)
503
The non-performing party is not liable for loss suffered by the
aggrieved party to the extent that the aggrieved party contributed to
the non-performance or its effects.
504
Article 9.505 - Reduction of loss (previously part of 4.504)
505
(1) The non-performing party is not liable for loss suffered by the
aggrieved party to the extent that the aggrieved party could have
reduced the loss by taking reasonable steps.
506
(2) The aggrieved party is entitled to recover any expenses reasonably
incurred in attempting to reduce the loss.
507
Article 9.506 (ex art. 4.505) - Substitute Transaction
508
Where the aggrieved party has terminated the contract and has made a
substitute transaction within a reasonable time and in a reasonable
manner, it may recover the difference between the contract price and
the price of the substitute transaction as well as damages for any
further loss so far as these are recoverable under this Section.
509
Article 9.507 (ex art. 4.506) - Current Price
510
Where the aggrieved party has terminated the contract and has not made
a substitute transaction but there is a current price for the
performance contracted for, it may recover the difference between the
contract price and the price current at the time the contract is
terminated as well as damages for any further loss so far as these are
recoverable under this Section.
511
Article 9.508 (ex art. 4.507) - Delay in Payment of Money
512
(1) If payment of a sum of money is delayed, the aggrieved party is
entitled to interest on that sum from the time when payment is due to
the time of payment at the average commercial bank short-term lending
rate to prime borrowers prevailing for the contractual currency of
payment at the place where payment is due.
513
(2) The aggrieved party may in addition recover damages for any further
loss so far as these are recoverable under this Section.
514
Article 9.509 (ex art. 4.508) - Agreed Payment for Non-performance
515
(1) Where the contract provides that a party who fails to perform is to
pay a specified sum to the aggrieved party for such non-performance,
the aggrieved party shall be awarded that sum irrespective of its
actual loss.
516
(2) However, despite any agreement to the contrary the specified sum
may be reduced to a reasonable amount where it is grossly excessive in
relation to the loss resulting from the non-performance and the other
circumstances.
517
Article 9.510 (ex art. 4.509) - Currency by which Damages to be
Measured
518
Damages are to be measured by the currency which most appropriately
reflects the aggrieved party's loss.
519
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