The IT Law Wiki
The IT Law Wiki

Definition[]

The economic loss doctrine is

a judicially created doctrine providing that a commercial purchaser of a product cannot recover from a manufacturer under tort theories damages that are solely economic losses. When contractual expectations are frustrated because of a defect in the subject matter of a contract, a party’s remedy instead lies exclusively in contract.

The doctrine does not bar claims involving physical injury or physical harm to property, however, as those are considered proper tort claims.[1]

References[]

  1. Budgetel Inns, Inc. v. Micro Sys., Inc., 8 F. Supp. 2d 1137, 1141 (E.D. Wis. 1998)(full-text) (citations omitted).