Wisconsin § 402.403 - Power to transfer; good faith purchase of goods; “entrusting”.
Full text of Wisconsin Wisconsin Statutes § 402.403 — Power to transfer; good faith purchase of goods; “entrusting”., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 402.403. Power to transfer; good faith purchase of goods; “entrusting”.
402.403(1) (1) A purchaser of goods acquires all title which the purchaser’s 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: 402.403(1)(a) (a) The transferor was deceived as to the identity of the purchaser; or 402.403(1)(b) (b) The delivery was in exchange for a check which is later dishonored; or 402.403(1)(c) (c) It was agreed that the transaction was to be a “cash sale”; or 402.403(1)(d) (d) The delivery was procured through fraud punishable as larcenous under the criminal law. 402.403(2) (2) Any entrusting of possession of goods to a merchant who deals in goods of that kind gives the merchant power to transfer all rights of the entruster to a buyer in ordinary course of business. 402.403(3) (3) “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. 402.403(4) (4) The rights of other purchasers of goods and of lien creditors are governed by chs. 407 and 409 . 402.403 History History: 1991 a. 316 ; 2009 a. 110 . 402.403 Annotation A person with a voidable title in property, having the power to pass title to a good faith purchaser under this section, may transfer a security interest in that property. National Pawn Brokers Unlimited v. Osterman, Inc., 176 Wis. 2d 418 , 500 N.W.2d 407 (Ct. App. 1993). 402.403 Annotation Discussing “voidable titles” under sub. (1) (a). Met-Al, Inc. v. Hansen Storage Co., 844 F. Supp. 485 (1994). 402.403 Annotation Buyer in Ordinary Course of Business Under Article 9 of the Uniform Commercial Code (and Related Matters). Skilton. 1974 WLR 1. subch. V of ch. 402 SUBCHAPTER V PERFORMANCE
Source: official Wisconsin text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Wisconsin § 402.403
What does Wisconsin Statutes § 402.403 cover?
Section 402.403 ("Power to transfer; good faith purchase of goods; “entrusting”.") is part of the Wisconsin Statutes, the codified statutory law of Wisconsin. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Wisconsin § 402.403?
A common citation format is "Wisconsin Statutes § 402.403" (Wisconsin). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Wisconsin law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Wisconsin official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Wisconsin attorney.
How does Wisconsin § 402.403 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Wisconsin can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Wisconsin.