This chapter introduces the warranty doctrines that protect buyers when goods fail to match affirmations, ordinary standards, or particular purposes. The Rohan Smithy makes the topic concrete by tying legal doctrine to craftsmanship, trade expectations, and the reliability of goods.
Doctrinal map
UCC §§ 2-313 to 2-316 supply the warranty regime for goods. Express warranties arise from affirmations of fact made part of the basis of the bargain (Daughtrey v. Ashe). Implied warranties of merchantability (§ 2-314) and fitness for particular purpose (§ 2-315) attach by operation of law unless disclaimed (§ 2-316). Carlson v. General Motors shows the unconscionability limit on disclaimers and remedy limitations in the consumer-goods context.
Key Sources
Key Rules
- UCC § 2-313: Express warranty by affirmation, description, or sample
- UCC § 2-314: Implied warranty of merchantability
- UCC § 2-315: Implied warranty of fitness for particular purpose
Cases
- Daughtrey v. Ashe 243 Va. 73, 413 S.E.2d 336 (1992) Under UCC § 2-313, a seller's description of goods made part of the basis of the bargain creates an express warranty. The buyer need not show reliance; once the description is part of the bargain, the warranty attaches.
- Carlson v. General Motors Corp. 883 F.2d 287 (4th Cir. 1989) A limitation of remedies and disclaimer of implied warranties may be unconscionable under UCC § 2-302 when applied to consumer goods with inherent defects known to the seller. The unconscionability inquiry is factual; summary disposition is improper when the seller's knowledge and the impact on consumers raise triable issues.