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Sale by Non-Owners
Normally, only the owner can sell goods. But sometimes, non-owners sell goods. The
general rule is:
Nemo dat quod non habet – “No one can give what they don’t have.”
So, a buyer from a non-owner usually gets no ownership. But there are exceptions.
Exceptions: When Sale by Non-Owners Transfers Ownership
1. Sale by Mercantile Agent
o If an agent sells goods in the ordinary course of business, the buyer gets
ownership, even if the agent had no authority.
o Example: A car dealer sells a car without owner’s permission, but buyer gets
ownership if acting in good faith.
2. Sale by Estoppel
o If the true owner’s conduct makes it appear that the seller has authority, the
buyer gets ownership.
o Example: Owner stands by silently while another sells his goods.
3. Sale by Joint Owner
o If one joint owner sells goods with consent, buyer gets ownership.
4. Sale by Person in Possession under Voidable Contract
o If goods are obtained under a voidable contract (like fraud) but contract not
yet rescinded, buyer in good faith gets ownership.
5. Sale by Person in Possession after Sale
o If seller remains in possession after sale and sells again to another buyer in
good faith, second buyer gets ownership.
6. Sale by Buyer in Possession
o If buyer gets possession before ownership passes and sells to another in good
faith, second buyer gets ownership.
Diagram: Transfer of Ownership
Transfer of Ownership
│
├── Specific Goods (Deliverable State → Immediate transfer)
├── Specific Goods (Not Deliverable → After work done)
├── Unascertained Goods → After ascertainment
├── Sale on Approval → After acceptance
└── Sale by Non-Owners → Exceptions apply
Everyday Analogy
Think of ownership like passing the keys of a house:
• If the house is ready, keys pass immediately.
• If repairs are pending, keys pass after completion.