DEFECT

defect,n. An imperfection  or shortcoming,  esp. in a  part that is essential to the operation or

safety  of  a  product.  —  defective,adj.[Cases:  Products  Liability    8.  C.J.S.  Products  Liability  §§

11–15.]

apparent defect.See patent defect.

design defect.An imperfection occurring when the seller or distributor could have reduced or

avoided  a  foreseeable  risk  of  harm  by  adopting  a  reasonable alternative  design,  and  when,  as  a

result of not using the alternative, the product or property is not reasonably safe. [Cases: Products

Liability    11. C.J.S. Products Liability §§ 19–21.]

fatal defect.A serious defect capable of nullifying a contract.

hidden  defect.A  product imperfection  that  is  not discoverable by  reasonable inspection  and

for which a seller or lessor is generally liable if the flaw causes harm. • Upon discovering a hidden

defect,  a  purchaser  may  revoke  a  prior  acceptance.  UCC  §  2-608(1)(b).  —  Also  termed  latent

defect; inherent defect. [Cases: Sales    119. C.J.S. Sales §§ 194, 199–202.]

latent defect.See hidden defect.

manufacturing defect.An imperfection in a product that departs from its intended design even

though all possible  care was exercised in its assembly and  marketing. [Cases: Products Liability

8. C.J.S. Products Liability §§ 11–15.]

marketing defect. 1. The failure to adequately warn of a potential risk of harm that is known D

or  should  have  been  known  about a  product  or  its  foreseeable  use.  2.  The  failure  to  adequately

instruct the user about how to use a product safely. [Cases: Products Liability    14. C.J.S. Products

Liability §§ 25–29.]

patent  defect.A  defect  that  is  apparent  to  a  normally  observant  person,  esp.  a  buyer  on  a

reasonable inspection. — Also termed apparent defect.

product defect.An imperfection in a product that has a manufacturing defect or design defect,

or is faulty because of inadequate instructions or warnings. [Cases: Products Liability    8, 11, 14.

C.J.S. Products Liability §§ 11–15, 19–21, 25–29.] [Blacks Law 8th]