Subdivision 1.Definitions.

(a) “Merchandise” means objects, wares, goods, or commodities.

Terms Used In Minnesota Statutes 325F.795

  • Damages: Money paid by defendants to successful plaintiffs in civil cases to compensate the plaintiffs for their injuries.
  • Evidence: Information presented in testimony or in documents that is used to persuade the fact finder (judge or jury) to decide the case for one side or the other.
  • Lease: A contract transferring the use of property or occupancy of land, space, structures, or equipment in consideration of a payment (e.g., rent). Source: OCC
  • Person: may extend and be applied to bodies politic and corporate, and to partnerships and other unincorporated associations. See Minnesota Statutes 645.44
  • state: extends to and includes the District of Columbia and the several territories. See Minnesota Statutes 645.44

(b) “Merchandise pallet” means a plastic carrier or plastic container, ranging in size from 36 inches to 54 inches with a forklift entry, used by a manufacturer or distributor to transport merchandise, which has a notice permanently affixed to it by the owner that does all of the following:

(1) identifies the company name of the owner of the pallet;

(2) notifies the public that the unauthorized possession of the pallet is a violation of state law; and

(3) lists a telephone number or address for the owner.

(c) With respect to possession of a merchandise pallet, “unauthorized person” includes anyone in possession of one or more merchandise pallets, except the following:

(1) the company owner;

(2) a person in lawful possession of the merchandise pallet; or

(3) a person who has temporary possession of the merchandise pallet as a result of the purchase of the products or merchandise transported using the merchandise pallet.

Subd. 2.Liability.

An unauthorized person in possession of a merchandise pallet, or a person, other than the owner, who maliciously, with intent to damage, obliterates, removes, or distorts the owner’s name on a merchandise pallet, shall be liable to the injured party as set forth in subdivision 4.

Subd. 3.Evidence of ownership or rightful possession.

A person who purchases or leases a merchandise pallet shall retain a copy of the bill of sale or other evidence that supports the purchase or lease.

Subd. 4.Remedy.

A person injured by a violation of this section may recover damages equal to three times the cost of the merchandise pallet, together with costs and disbursements, including a reasonable attorney’s fee.