Legal Definitions - without notice

Definition: Without notice means lacking actual or constructive knowledge. For example, to be a bona fide purchaser, one must buy something “without notice” of another's claim to the item or of defects in the seller's title. To be a holder in due course, one must take a bill or note “without notice” that it is overdue, has been dishonored, or is subject to a claim.

Example: If you buy a car from someone who has a loan on it, but you didn't know about the loan, you are a bona fide purchaser without notice. This means that you are not responsible for the loan and the lender cannot come after you for payment.

Explanation: This example illustrates the definition of without notice because the buyer did not have any knowledge of the loan on the car. Therefore, they are considered a bona fide purchaser without notice and are not responsible for the loan.