Also known as:négoce commercial · commerce · trade
Written by attorneys · grounded in primary & secondary sources — see below
Commercial activity consisting of the buying, selling, and exchange of goods and services.
Sources & Authorities· 30 primary sources
Select any source to read its text and confirm it supports the definition.
Cases
Statutes
How it applies
Common Examples
6
Import Duties on Cross-Border Trade
Natasha Nielsen imports electronics from abroad for resale in multiple states. Congress imposes a uniform duty on the shipments to fund national defense. The uniformity requirement ensures the négoce faces identical charges regardless of entry point.
Professional Standard in Commercial Services
Naveen Nanda offers accounting services to small businesses. A client claims the work fell below the competence expected of accountants in the area. The standard measures Nanda's performance against others engaged in the same négoce.
Nyah Ndlovu manufactures components sold to a national distributor. One unit reaches the forum state and injures a buyer. Mere awareness that the product might enter that market does not establish jurisdiction over the foreign maker's négoce.
Protective Order for Trade Information
Nia Nkosi sues a competitor and seeks discovery of pricing formulas used in her négoce. The court orders that the information be revealed only to designated counsel under seal. The order prevents public disclosure while allowing the litigation to proceed.
Ancillary Noncompete in Business Sale
Nolan Nunez sells his logistics company and promises not to compete for two years in the same region. The restraint is ancillary to the sale of the négoce. The promise is enforceable only if it does not exceed the buyer's legitimate interest.
Limits on Export Taxation
Nalini Narula exports specialty fabrics from her retail négoce. A state attempts to impose a tax on the outgoing goods. The constitutional prohibition prevents the state from laying any tax or duty on articles exported from any state.
Common questions
Frequently Asked
2
What does négoce mean in a legal context?+
It refers to commercial activity involving the exchange of goods and services. The term appears in older authorities to describe ordinary trade or business operations.
Supporting sources
Does négoce carry any specialized doctrinal meaning?+
No. It functions as a straightforward label for trade or business and does not alter the application of surrounding rules on commerce, contracts, or jurisdiction.
Supporting sources
376 U.S. 254 (1964)Remedies
…Montgomery. The text appeared over the names of 64 persons, many widely known for their activities in public affairs, religion, trade unions, and the performing arts. Below these names, and under a line reading "We in the south who are struggling daily for dignity and freedom warmly endorse this appeal," appeared the…