December 27, 2012

Court reviews whether the UCC or the TN Consumer Protection Act applies in a breach of contract case

AUDIO VISUAL ARTISTRY v. STEPHEN TANZER (Tenn. Ct. App. December 26, 2012)

This is a breach of contract case. Appellant/Homeowner contracted with Appellee for the installation of a “smart home” system. After myriad problems arose, Appellant fired Appellee, who filed the instant lawsuit to collect the unpaid balance for equipment and installation.

The trial court determined that the primary purpose of the parties’ agreement was the sale of goods and applied Article 2 of the Uniform Commercial Code. The court granted judgment in favor of Appellee, but allowed certain offsets for items rejected by Appellant.

Appellant appeals, arguing that the trial court erred in applying the UCC, and in its calculation of damages. Appellant also appeals the trial court’s determination that the Tennessee Consumer Protection Act does not apply. Discerning no error, we affirm.

Opinion available at:
https://www.tba.org/sites/default/files/audiovisual_122612.pdf