Source: http://codes.ohio.gov/orc/1345
Timestamp: 2019-04-25 09:00:22+00:00

Document:
1345.01 Consumer sales practices definitions.
(A) "Consumer transaction" means a sale, lease, assignment, award by chance, or other transfer of an item of goods, a service, a franchise, or an intangible, to an individual for purposes that are primarily personal, family, or household, or solicitation to supply any of these things. "Consumer transaction" does not include transactions between persons, defined in sections 4905.03 and 5725.01 of the Revised Code, and their customers, except for transactions involving a loan made pursuant to sections 1321.35 to 1321.48 of the Revised Code and transactions in connection with residential mortgages between loan officers, mortgage brokers, or nonbank mortgage lenders and their customers; transactions involving a home construction service contract as defined in section 4722.01 of the Revised Code; transactions between certified public accountants or public accountants and their clients; transactions between attorneys, physicians, or dentists and their clients or patients; and transactions between veterinarians and their patients that pertain to medical treatment but not ancillary services.
(C) "Supplier" means a seller, lessor, assignor, franchisor, or other person engaged in the business of effecting or soliciting consumer transactions, whether or not the person deals directly with the consumer. If the consumer transaction is in connection with a residential mortgage, "supplier" does not include an assignee or purchaser of the loan for value, except as otherwise provided in section 1345.091 of the Revised Code. For purposes of this division, in a consumer transaction in connection with a residential mortgage, "seller" means a loan officer, mortgage broker, or nonbank mortgage lender.
(1) "Loan officer" means an individual who for compensation or gain, or in anticipation of compensation or gain, takes or offers to take a residential mortgage loan application; assists or offers to assist a buyer in obtaining or applying to obtain a residential mortgage loan by, among other things, advising on loan terms, including rates, fees, and other costs; offers or negotiates terms of a residential mortgage loan; or issues or offers to issue a commitment for a residential mortgage loan. "Loan officer" also includes a mortgage loan originator as defined in division (Z) of section 1322.01 of the Revised Code.
(2) "Loan officer" does not include an employee of a bank, savings bank, savings and loan association, credit union, or credit union service organization organized under the laws of this state, another state, or the United States; an employee of a subsidiary of such a bank, savings bank, savings and loan association, or credit union; or an employee of an affiliate that (a) controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with, such a bank, savings bank, savings and loan association, or credit union and (b) is subject to examination, supervision, and regulation, including with respect to the affiliate's compliance with applicable consumer protection requirements, by the board of governors of the federal reserve system, the comptroller of the currency, the office of thrift supervision, the federal deposit insurance corporation, or the national credit union administration.
(I) "Residential mortgage" or "mortgage" means an obligation to pay a sum of money evidenced by a note and secured by a lien upon real property located within this state containing two or fewer residential units or on which two or fewer residential units are to be constructed and includes such an obligation on a residential condominium or cooperative unit.
(c) A person engaged in table-funding or warehouse-lending mortgage loans that are residential mortgage loans.
(2) "Mortgage broker" does not include a bank, savings bank, savings and loan association, credit union, or credit union service organization organized under the laws of this state, another state, or the United States; a subsidiary of such a bank, savings bank, savings and loan association, or credit union; an affiliate that (a) controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with, such a bank, savings bank, savings and loan association, or credit union and (b) is subject to examination, supervision, and regulation, including with respect to the affiliate's compliance with applicable consumer protection requirements, by the board of governors of the federal reserve system, the comptroller of the currency, the office of thrift supervision, the federal deposit insurance corporation, or the national credit union administration; or an employee of any such entity.
(K) "Nonbank mortgage lender" means any person that engages in a consumer transaction in connection with a residential mortgage, except for a bank, savings bank, savings and loan association, credit union, or credit union service organization organized under the laws of this state, another state, or the United States; a subsidiary of such a bank, savings bank, savings and loan association, or credit union; or an affiliate that (1) controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with, such a bank, savings bank, savings and loan association, or credit union and (2) is subject to examination, supervision, and regulation, including with respect to the affiliate's compliance with applicable consumer protection requirements, by the board of governors of the federal reserve system, the comptroller of the currency, the office of thrift supervision, the federal deposit insurance corporation, or the national credit union administration.
(1) "Control" of another entity means ownership, control, or power to vote twenty-five percent or more of the outstanding shares of any class of voting securities of the other entity, directly or indirectly or acting through one or more other persons.
Amended by 129th General AssemblyFile No.107, HB 383, §1, eff. 8/31/2012.
Effective Date: 05-17-2000; 01-01-2007; 2008 HB545 09-01-2008 .
1345.02 Unfair or deceptive acts or practices.
(A) No supplier shall commit an unfair or deceptive act or practice in connection with a consumer transaction. Such an unfair or deceptive act or practice by a supplier violates this section whether it occurs before, during, or after the transaction.
(1) No supplier, in connection with a consumer transaction involving natural gas service or public telecommunications service to a consumer in this state, shall request or submit, or cause to be requested or submitted, a change in the consumer's provider of natural gas service or public telecommunications service, without first obtaining, or causing to be obtained, the verified consent of the consumer. For the purpose of this division and with respect to public telecommunications service only, the procedures necessary for verifying the consent of a consumer shall be those prescribed by rule by the public utilities commission for public telecommunications service under division (D) of section 4905.72 of the Revised Code. Also, for the purpose of this division, the act, omission, or failure of any officer, agent, or other individual, acting for or employed by another person, while acting within the scope of that authority or employment, is the act or failure of that other person.
(2) Knowingly providing a disclosure that includes a material misrepresentation.
(G) Without limiting the scope of division (A) of this section, the failure of a supplier to obtain or maintain any registration, license, bond, or insurance required by state law or local ordinance for the supplier to engage in the supplier's trade or profession is an unfair or deceptive act or practice.
Effective Date: 05-17-2000; 01-01-2007 .
1345.021 Ethanol blended or mixed into gasoline.
(A) As used in this section, "retail dealer" means a person who owns, operates, controls, or supervises an establishment at which gasoline is sold or offered for sale to the public.
(2) The percentage of ethanol that is contained in the gasoline.
(C) If a retail dealer elects to disclose any of the information specified in division (B) of this section, the dealer may make that disclosure in any form, using any type of sign or label and any size or style of letters, at the retail dealer's discretion.
(D) A retail dealer shall not be required to disclose the fact that gasoline contains ethanol and shall not be required to disclose the percentage of ethanol in the gasoline by any law, rule, resolution, or ordinance of any agency or department of the state or any political subdivision of the state.
1345.022 [Effective 7/1/2019] Installation of unsafe used tires.
(1) "Multipurpose passenger vehicle," "passenger car," and "truck" have the same meanings as in section 4513.021 of the Revised Code.
(a) The tire is worn to two thirty-seconds of an inch tread depth or less on any area of the tread.
(b) The tire has any damage exposing the reinforcing plies of the tire, including cuts, cracks, punctures, scrapes, or wear.
(c) The tire has any repair in the tread shoulder or belt edge area.
(d) The tire has a puncture that has not been both sealed or patched on the inside and repaired with a cured rubber stem through the outside.
(e) The tire has repair to the sidewall or bead area of the tire.
(f) The tire has a puncture repair of damage larger than one-fourth of an inch.
(g) The tire shows evidence of prior use of a temporary tire sealant without evidence of a subsequent proper repair.
(h) The tire has a defaced or removed United States department of transportation tire identification number.
(i) The tire has any inner liner damage or bead damage.
(j) There is indication of internal separation, such as bulges or local areas of irregular tread wear indicating possible tread or belt separation.
(1) No supplier shall install an unsafe used tire on a passenger car, multipurpose passenger vehicle, or truck that will operate on a public highway.
(2) A violation of division (B)(1) of this section shall be considered an unconscionable consumer sales act or practice under section 1345.03 of the Revised Code.
(C) This section shall not apply to tires mounted on wheels or rims that are temporarily removed from a vehicle and reinstalled on the same vehicle.
Added by 132nd General Assembly File No. TBD, SB 223, §1, eff. 7/1/2019.
1345.03 Unconscionable consumer sales acts or practices.
(A) No supplier shall commit an unconscionable act or practice in connection with a consumer transaction. Such an unconscionable act or practice by a supplier violates this section whether it occurs before, during, or after the transaction.
(7) Whether the supplier has, without justification, refused to make a refund in cash or by check for a returned item that was purchased with cash or by check, unless the supplier had conspicuously posted in the establishment at the time of the sale a sign stating the supplier's refund policy.
(C) This section does not apply to a consumer transaction in connection with the origination of a residential mortgage.
Effective Date: 09-23-1977; 01-01-2007 .
1345.031 Unconscionable acts by supplier prohibited - unconscionable provisions.
(A) No supplier shall commit an unconscionable act or practice concerning a consumer transaction in connection with the origination of a residential mortgage. Such an unconscionable act or practice by a supplier violates this section whether it occurs before, during, or after the transaction.
(3) Making a consumer transaction that permits the creditor to demand repayment of the outstanding balance of a mortgage loan, in advance of the original maturity date unless the creditor does so in good faith due to the consumer's failure to abide by the material terms of the loan.
(4) Knowingly replacing, refinancing, or consolidating a zero interest rate or other low-rate mortgage loan made by a governmental or nonprofit lender with another loan unless the current holder of the loan consents in writing to the refinancing and the consumer presents written certification from a third-party nonprofit organization counselor approved by the United States department of housing and urban development or the superintendent of financial institutions that the consumer received counseling on the advisability of the loan transaction. For purposes of division (B)(4) of this section, a "low-rate mortgage loan" means a mortgage loan that carries a current interest rate two percentage points or more below the current yield on United States treasury securities with a comparable maturity. If the loan's current interest rate is either a discounted introductory rate or a rate that automatically steps up over time, the fully indexed rate or the fully stepped-up rate, as applicable, shall be used, in lieu of the current rate, to determine whether a loan is a low-rate mortgage loan.
(6) Recommending or encouraging a consumer to default on a mortgage or any consumer transaction or revolving credit loan agreement. This practice also shall constitute an unconscionable act or practice in connection with a consumer transaction under section 1345.03 of the Revised Code.
(7) Charging a late fee more than once with respect to a single late payment. If a late payment fee is deducted from a payment made on the loan and such deduction causes a subsequent default on a subsequent payment, no late payment fee may be imposed for such default. If a late payment fee has been imposed once with respect to a particular late payment, no such fee may be imposed with respect to any future payment that would have been timely and sufficient but for the previous default. This practice also shall constitute an unconscionable act or practice in connection with a consumer transaction under section 1345.03 of the Revised Code.
(11) Financing, directly or indirectly, any credit, life, disability, or unemployment insurance premiums, any other life or health insurance premiums, or any debt collection agreement. Insurance premiums calculated and paid on a monthly basis shall not be considered financed by the lender.
(12) Knowingly or intentionally engaging in the act or practice of "flipping" a mortgage loan. "Flipping" a mortgage loan is making a mortgage loan that refinances an existing mortgage loan when the new loan does not have reasonable, tangible net benefit to the consumer considering all of the circumstances, including the terms of both the new and refinanced loans, the cost of the new loan, and the consumer's circumstances. This provision applies regardless of whether the interest rate, points, fees, and charges paid or payable by the consumer in connection with the refinancing exceed any thresholds specified in any section of the Revised Code.
(15) Attempting to enforce, by means not limited to a court action, a prepayment penalty in violation of division (C)(2) of section 1343.011 of the Revised Code. This practice also shall constitute an unconscionable act or practice in connection with a consumer transaction under section 1345.03 of the Revised C ode.
(16) Engaging in an act or practice deemed unconscionable by rules adopted by the attorney general pursuant to division (B)(2) of section 1345.05 of the Revised Code.
(1) Any unconscionable arbitration clause, unconscionable clause requiring the consumer to pay the supplier's attorney's fees, or unconscionable liquidated damages clause included in a mortgage loan contract is unenforceable.
(b) By referring to such a clause, attempt to induce the consumer to take any action desired by the supplier.
1345.032 Suppliers soliciting fees for copies of deeds.
(e) Quitclaim of possible outstanding interests.
(2) "Public body" means any township, county, municipal corporation, commission, district, authority, other subdivision, or public body of this state.
(3) "Solicit" means to advertise or market to a person with whom the solicitor has no preexisting business relationship.
(e) The name and physical address of the person soliciting the fee.
(2) The document used for a solicitation under this section shall not be in a form or use deadline dates or other language that makes the document appear to be a document issued by a public body or that appears to impose a legal duty on the person being solicited.
(3) A supplier soliciting a fee for providing a copy of a deed shall not charge a fee of more than four times the fee charged by the county recorder for a copy of that deed pursuant to section 317.32 of the Revised Code.
(C) A supplier soliciting a fee for providing a copy of a deed shall furnish to the office of the county recorder of each county where the solicitations are to be distributed a copy of the document that will be used for those solicitations not less than fifteen days before distributing the solicitations.
(3) A real estate broker or salesperson licensed under Chapter 4735. of the Revised Code.
(E) The attorney general may adopt rules in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code specifying the contents and form of the solicitation document.
(F) A violation of division (B) or (C) of this section shall be considered an unconscionable consumer sales act or practice under section 1345.03 of the Revised Code.
Added by 132nd General Assembly File No. TBD, HB 52, §1, eff. 5/11/2018.
The courts of common pleas, and municipal or county courts within their respective monetary jurisdiction, have jurisdiction over any supplier with respect to any act or practice in this state covered by sections 1345.01 to 1345.13 of the Revised Code, or with respect to any claim arising from a consumer transaction subject to such sections.
1345.05 Attorney general powers and duties.
(6) Report annually on or before the thirty-first day of January to the governor and the general assembly on the operations of the attorney general in respect to Chapter 1345. of the Revised Code, and on the acts or practices occurring in this state that violate such chapter. The report shall include a statement of investigatory and enforcement procedures and policies, of the number of investigations and enforcement proceedings instituted and of their disposition, and of other activities of the state and of other persons to promote the purposes of Chapter 1345. of the Revised Code.
(7) In carrying out official duties, the attorney general shall not disclose publicly the identity of suppliers investigated or the facts developed in investigations unless these matters have become a matter of public record in enforcement proceedings, in public hearings conducted pursuant to division (B)(1) of this section, or the suppliers investigated have consented in writing to public disclosure.
(2) Adopt, amend, and repeal substantive rules defining with reasonable specificity acts or practices that violate sections 1345.02, 1345.03, and 1345.031 of the Revised Code. In adopting, amending, or repealing substantive rules defining acts or practices that violate section 1345.02 of the Revised Code, due consideration and great weight shall be given to federal trade commission orders, trade regulation rules and guides, and the federal courts' interpretations of subsection 45(a)(1) of the "Federal Trade Commission Act," 38 Stat. 717 (1914), 15 U.S.C.A. 41, as amended.
In adopting, amending, or repealing such rules concerning a consumer transaction in connection with a residential mortgage, the attorney general shall consult with the superintendent of financial institutions and shall give due consideration to state and federal statutes, regulations, administrative agency interpretations, and case law.
(C) In the conduct of public hearings authorized by this section, the attorney general may administer oaths, subpoena witnesses, adduce evidence, and require the production of relevant material. Upon failure of a person without lawful excuse to obey a subpoena or to produce relevant matter, the attorney general may apply to a court of common pleas for an order compelling compliance.
(D) The attorney general may request that an individual who refuses to testify or to produce relevant material on the ground that the testimony or matter may incriminate the individual be ordered by the court to provide the testimony or matter. With the exception of a prosecution for perjury and an action for damages under section 1345.07 or 1345.09 of the Revised Code, an individual who complies with a court order to provide testimony or matter, after asserting a privilege against self incrimination to which the individual is entitled by law, shall not be subjected to a criminal proceeding on the basis of the testimony or matter discovered through that testimony or matter.
(E) Any person may petition the attorney general requesting the adoption, amendment, or repeal of a rule. The attorney general shall prescribe by rule the form for such petitions and the procedure for their submission, consideration, and disposition. Within sixty days of submission of a petition, the attorney general shall either deny the petition in writing, stating the reasons for the denial, or initiate rule-making proceedings. There is no right to appeal from such denial of a petition.
(F) All rules shall be adopted subject to Chapter 119. of the Revised Code.
(G) The informational document published in accordance with division (A)(4) of this section shall be made available for distribution to consumers who are applying for a mortgage loan. An acknowledgement of receipt shall be retained by the lender, mortgage broker, and loan officer, as applicable, subject to review by the attorney general and the department of commerce.
1345.06 Investigations by attorney general.
(A) If, by the attorney general's own inquiries or as a result of complaints, the attorney general has reasonable cause to believe that a person has engaged or is engaging in an act or practice that violates Chapter 1345. of the Revised Code, he may investigate.
(B) For this purpose, the attorney general may administer oaths, subpoena witnesses, adduce evidence, and require the production of relevant matter.
If matter that the attorney general requires to be produced is located outside the state, the attorney general may designate representatives, including officials of the state in which the matter is located, to inspect the matter on the attorney general's behalf, and the attorney general may respond to similar requests from officials of other states. The person subpoenaed may make the matter available to the attorney general at a convenient location within the state or pay the reasonable and necessary expenses for the attorney general or the attorney general's representative to examine the matter at the place where it is located, provided that expenses shall not be charged to a party not subsequently found to have engaged in an act or practice violative of Chapter 1345. of the Revised Code.
(C) Within twenty days after a subpoena has been served, a person subpoenaed under this section may file a motion to extend the return day, or to modify or quash the subpoena, stating good cause, in the court of common pleas of Franklin county or any other county in this state.
(D) A person subpoenaed under this section shall comply with the terms of the subpoena, unless the parties agree to modify the terms of the subpoena or unless the court has modified or quashed the subpoena, extended the return day of the subpoena, or issued any other order with respect to the subpoena prior to its return day.
If a person fails without lawful excuse to obey a subpoena or to produce relevant matter, the attorney general may apply to the court of common pleas of Franklin county or any other county in this state for an order compelling compliance.
(E) The attorney general may request that an individual who refuses to testify or to produce relevant matter on the ground that the testimony or matter may incriminate the individual be ordered by the court to provide the testimony or matter. With the exception of a prosecution for perjury and an action for damages under section 1345.07 or 1345.09 of the Revised Code, an individual who complies with a court order to provide testimony or matter, after asserting a privilege against self-incrimination to which the individual is entitled by law, shall not be subjected to a criminal proceeding or to a civil penalty or forfeiture on the basis of the testimony or matter required to be disclosed or testimony or matter discovered through that testimony or matter.
(1) During an investigation under this section, afford, in a manner considered appropriate to to the attorney general, a supplier an opportunity to cease and desist from any suspected violation. The attorney general may suspend such an investigation during the time period that the attorney general permits the supplier to cease and desist; however, the suspension of the investigation or the affording of an opportunity to cease and desist shall not prejudice or prohibit any further investigation by the attorney general under this section.
(2) Terminate an investigation under this section upon acceptance of a written assurance of voluntary compliance from a supplier who is suspected of a violation of this chapter.
Acceptance of an assurance may be conditioned upon an undertaking to reimburse or to take other appropriate corrective action with respect to identifiable consumers damaged by an alleged violation of this chapter. An assurance of compliance given by a supplier is not evidence of violation of this chapter. The attorney general may, at any time, reopen an investigation terminated by the acceptance of an assurance of voluntary compliance, if the attorney general believes that further proceedings are in the public interest. Evidence of a violation of an assurance of voluntary compliance is prima-facie evidence of an act or practice in violation of this chapter, if presented after the violation in an action brought under this chapter. An assurance of voluntary compliance may be filed with the court and if approved by the court, entered as a consent judgment.
(G) The procedures available to the attorney general under this section are cumulative and concurrent, and the exercise of one procedure by the attorney general does not preclude or require the exercise of any other procedure.
1345.07 Remedies of attorney general.
(a) An action, with notice as required by Civil Rule 65, to obtain a temporary restraining order, preliminary injunction, or permanent injunction to restrain the act or practice. If the attorney general shows by a preponderance of the evidence that the supplier has violated or is violating section 1345.02, 1345.03, or 1345.031 of the Revised Code, the court may issue a temporary restraining order, preliminary injunction, or permanent injunction to restrain and prevent the act or practice.
(i) Except as provided in division (A)(2)(b)(ii) of this section, on motion of the attorney general, or on its own motion, the court may impose a civil penalty of not more than five thousand dollars for each day of violation of a temporary restraining order, preliminary injunction, or permanent injunction issued under this section, if the supplier received notice of the action. The civil penalties shall be paid as provided in division (G) of this section.
(ii) If the court issues under this section a temporary restraining order, preliminary injunction, or permanent injunction to restrain and prevent an act or practice that is a violation of section 1345.02 and division (A) of section 1349.81 of the Revised Code, on motion of the attorney general, or on its own motion, the court may impose a civil penalty of not less than five thousand dollars and not more than fifteen thousand dollars for each day of violation of the temporary restraining order, preliminary injunction, or permanent injunction, if the supplier received notice of the action. The civil penalties shall be paid as provided in division (G) of this section.
(c) Upon the commencement of an action under division (A)(2) of this section against a supplier who operates under a license, permit, certificate, commission, or other authorization issued by the supreme court or by a board, commission, department, division, or other agency of this state, the attorney general shall immediately notify the supreme court or agency that such an action has been commenced against the supplier.
(c) An act or practice determined by a court of this state to violate section 1345.02, 1345.03, or 1345.031 of the Revised Code and committed after the decision containing the determination has been made available for public inspection under division (A)(3) of section 1345.05 of the Revised Code.
(B) On motion of the attorney general and without bond, in the attorney general's action under this section, the court may make appropriate orders, including appointment of a referee or a receiver, for sequestration of assets, to reimburse consumers found to have been damaged, to carry out a transaction in accordance with a consumer's reasonable expectations, to strike or limit the application of unconscionable clauses of contracts so as to avoid an unconscionable result, or to grant other appropriate relief. The court may assess the expenses of a referee or receiver against the supplier.
(C) Any moneys or property recovered by the attorney general in an action under this section that cannot with due diligence within five years be restored by a referee to consumers shall be unclaimed funds reportable under Chapter 169. of the Revised Code.
(D) In addition to the other remedies provided in this section, if the violation is an act or practice that was declared to be unfair, deceptive, or unconscionable by rule adopted pursuant to division (B)(2) of section 1345.05 of the Revised Code before the consumer transaction on which the action is based occurred or an act or practice that was determined by a court of this state to violate section 1345.02, 1345.03, or 1345.031 of the Revised Code and committed after the decision containing the court's determination was made available for public inspection pursuant to division (A)(3) of section 1345.05 of the Revised Code, the attorney general may request and the court may impose a civil penalty of not more than twenty-five thousand dollars against the supplier. The civil penalties shall be paid as provided in division (G) of this section.
(E) No action may be brought by the attorney general under this section to recover for a transaction more than two years after the occurrence of a violation.
(F) If a court determines that provision has been made for reimbursement or other appropriate corrective action, insofar as practicable, with respect to all consumers damaged by a violation, or in any other appropriate case, the attorney general, with court approval, may terminate enforcement proceedings brought by the attorney general upon acceptance of an assurance from the supplier of voluntary compliance with Chapter 1345. of the Revised Code, with respect to the alleged violation. The assurance shall be filed with the court and entered as a consent judgment. Except as provided in division (A) of section 1345.10 of the Revised Code, a consent judgment is not evidence of prior violation of such chapter. Disregard of the terms of a consent judgment entered upon an assurance shall be treated as a violation of an injunction issued under this section.
(G) Civil penalties ordered pursuant to divisions (A) and (D) of this section shall be paid as follows: one-fourth of the amount to the treasurer of the county in which the action is brought and three-fourths to the consumer protection enforcement fund created by section 1345.51 of the Revised Code.
(H) The remedies available to the attorney general under this section are cumulative and concurrent, and the exercise of one remedy by the attorney general does not preclude or require the exercise of any other remedy. The attorney general is not required to use any procedure set forth in section 1345.06 of the Revised Code prior to the exercise of any remedy set forth in this section.
Amended by 129th General AssemblyFile No.31, SB 84, §1, eff. 9/30/2011.
1345.08 Attorney general to coordinate with other administrative agency.
If the attorney general receives a complaint or other information concerning noncompliance with Chapter 1345. of the Revised Code, by a supplier subject to other administrative supervision in this state, he shall immediately give written notice of the substance of the complaint or other information to the official or agency having supervisory authority over the supplier. The attorney general may request information about suppliers subject to other administrative supervision from the agencies or official supervising them.
1345.09 Private causes of action.
(1) Except as otherwise provided in division (C)(2) of this section, in any action for rescission, revocation of the consumer transaction must occur within a reasonable time after the consumer discovers or should have discovered the ground for it and before any substantial change in condition of the subject of the consumer transaction.
Amended by 129th General AssemblyFile No.97, HB 275, §1, eff. 7/3/2012.
Effective Date: 08-11-1978; 2006 SB185 01-01-2007; 2006 SB117 10-31-2007 .
1345.091 Claim or defense against assignee of loan.
(A) The violation was committed by the assignee or purchaser.
(B) The assignee or purchaser is affiliated by common control with the seller of the loan at the time of such assignment or purchase.
1345.092 Supplier's right to cure.
(A) Not later than thirty days after service of process is completed upon a supplier by a consumer in any action seeking a private remedy pursuant to section 1345.09 of the Revised Code, the supplier may deliver a cure offer to the consumer, or if the consumer is represented by an attorney, to the consumer's attorney. The supplier shall send a cure offer by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the consumer, or if the consumer is represented by an attorney, to the consumer's attorney. The supplier shall file a copy of the cure offer with the court in which the action was commenced.
(a) The consumer shall, upon accepting the cure offer, request an amount, up to two thousand five hundred dollars, from the supplier to pay attorney's fees and an amount to pay court costs. The consumer shall provide to the supplier bills and other documents evidencing these amounts.
Added by 129th General AssemblyFile No.97, HB 275, §1, eff. 7/3/2012.
1345.10 Final judgment admissible as prima facie evidence.
(A) With the exception of consent judgments entered before any testimony is taken, a final judgment against a supplier under section 1345.07 of the Revised Code is admissible as prima-facie evidence of the facts on which it is based in subsequent proceedings under section 1345.09 of the Revised Code against the same supplier, or his successors or assigns.
(B) An action by or on behalf of a consumer pursuant to section 1345.09 of the Revised Code precludes that consumer from being included in a later class action by the attorney general with respect to the same transaction, but intervention by the attorney general in a pending action is authorized. If the attorney general brings a class action on behalf of consumers, a consumer may withdraw from the class action prior to trial, or, with the permission of the court, at any time.
(C) An action under sections 1345.01 to 1345.13 of the Revised Code may not be brought more than two years after the occurrence of the violation which is the subject of suit, or more than one year after the termination of proceedings by the attorney general with respect to the violation, whichever is later. However, an action under sections 1345.01 to 1345.13 of the Revised Code arising out of the same consumer transaction can be used as a counterclaim whenever a supplier sues a consumer on an obligation arising from the consumer transaction.
(A) In any case arising under Chapter 1345. of the Revised Code, if a supplier shows by a preponderance of the evidence that a violation resulted from a bona fide error notwithstanding the maintenance of procedures reasonably adopted to avoid the error, no civil penalties shall be imposed against the supplier under division (D) of section 1345.07 of the Revised Code, no party shall be awarded attorney's fees, and monetary recovery shall not exceed the amount of actual damages resulting from the violation.
(2) If the case arises under section 1345.09 of the Revised Code, the supplier is not subject to any liability or penalty for the violation.
(3) Perform any other acts respecting the property that the court authorizes.
Any person who has suffered damages as a result of the use of any act or practice prohibited by this chapter and who submits proof to the satisfaction of the court that he has in fact been damaged, may participate with general creditors in the distribution of the assets to the extent he has sustained out-of-pocket losses.
(D) If a court determines after a hearing in any action brought pursuant to section 1345.07 of the Revised Code that a supplier in the course of performing activity under any license or permit issued by the state or a political subdivision or agency of the state, engaged in a practice that violates this chapter, the attorney general may, within sixty days after the time for appealing has expired, send a certified copy of the court's final judgment and supporting opinion to the issuing authority. Upon receipt of the court's judgment and opinion, the issuing authority shall promptly investigate to determine whether to institute proceedings to revoke or suspend the supplier's license or permit. The court's judgment, findings of fact, and conclusions of law shall be binding upon the issuing authority when it conducts its investigation. The issuing authority shall report its decision or action to the attorney general within twenty days of the conclusion of the issuing authority's investigation. If the issuing authority institutes proceedings to revoke or suspend the supplier's license or permit, it shall report its decision to the attorney general within twenty days of the conclusion of the issuing authority's proceedings.
1345.12 Applicability of chapter - exceptions.
(C) Claims for personal injury or death.
1345.13 Remedies in addition to other remedies.
The remedies in sections 1345.01 to 1345.13 of the Revised Code, are in addition to remedies otherwise available for the same conduct under state or local law.
1345.18 Prior, verified consent required to switch natural gas or public telecommunications service provider.
(A) The courts of common pleas, and municipal or county courts within their respective jurisdictions, have jurisdiction over any supplier with respect to a violation of section 1345.18 of the Revised Code or any claim arising from a consumer transaction subject to that section.
1345.20 Action by aggrieved consumer for switch in natural gas or public telecommunications service providers with consent.
1345.21 Home solicitation sale definitions.
(4) The buyer initiates the contact between the parties for the purpose of negotiating a purchase and the seller has a business establishment at a fixed location in this state where the goods or services involved in the transaction are regularly offered or exhibited for sale.
Advertisements by such a seller in newspapers, magazines, catalogues, radio, or television do not constitute the seller initiation of the contact.
(6) The buyer has initiated the contact between the parties and specifically requested the seller to visit the buyer's home for the purpose of repairing or performing maintenance upon the buyer's personal property. If, in the course of such a visit, the seller sells the buyer additional services or goods other than replacement parts necessarily used in performing the maintenance or in making the repairs, the sale of those additional goods or services does not fall within this exclusion.
(7) The buyer is accorded the right of rescission by the "Consumer Credit Protection Act," (1968) 82 Stat. 152, 15 U.S.C. 1635, or regulations adopted pursuant to it.
(B) "Sale" includes a lease or rental.
(C) "Seller" includes a lessor or anyone offering goods for rent.
(D) "Buyer" includes a lessee or anyone who gives a consideration for the privilege of using goods.
(E) "Consumer goods or services" means goods or services purchased, leased, or rented primarily for personal, family, or household purposes, including courses or instruction or training regardless of the purpose for which they are taken.
(6) The sale of property at an auction by an auctioneer licensed by the department of agriculture under Chapter 4707. of the Revised Code.
(G) "Purchase price" means the total cumulative price of the consumer goods or services, including all interest and service charges.
(H) "Place of business" means the main office, or a permanent branch office or permanent local address of a seller.
(I) "Business day" means any calendar day except Sunday, or the following business holidays: New Year's day, Martin Luther King day, Presidents' day, Memorial day, Independence day, Labor day, Columbus day, Veterans day, Thanksgiving day, and Christmas day.
1345.22 Right of buyer to cancel.
(A) In addition to any right otherwise to revoke an offer, the buyer has the right to cancel a home solicitation sale until midnight of the third business day after the day on which the buyer signs an agreement or offer to purchase. Cancellation is evidenced by the buyer giving written notice of cancellation to the seller at the seller's address, electronic mail address, or facsimile number stated in the agreement or offer to purchase. The buyer shall deliver the notice by certified mail delivery, return receipt requested, manual delivery, personal delivery, facsimile transmission, or electronic mail. Notice of cancellation by certified mail shall be effective upon the date of post marking. Manual delivery or other personal delivery is effective when delivered to the seller or to the seller's address, whichever comes first. Facsimile delivery is effective when the facsimile transmission has been transmitted to the seller's facsimile number and the consumer has received confirmation of the facsimile transmission. Electronic mail delivery is effective when the electronic mail has been sent to the seller's electronic mail address. Notice of cancellation need not take a particular form and is sufficient if it indicates, by any form of written expression, the intention of the buyer not to be bound by the home solicitation sale. Notice of buyer's right to cancel must appear on all notes or other evidence of indebtedness given pursuant to any home solicitation sale.
(B) Except as provided in division (C) of this section, where a home solicitation sale requires a seller to provide services, the seller shall not commence performance of such services during the time in which the buyer may cancel.
Amended by 130th General Assembly File No. TBD, SB 274, §1, eff. 3/23/2015.
1345.23 Written agreement or offer to purchase.
(A) Every home solicitation sale shall be evidenced by a written agreement or offer to purchase in the same language as that principally used in the oral sales presentation and shall contain the name and address of the seller. The seller shall present the writing to the buyer and obtain the buyer's signature to it. The writing shall state the date on which the buyer actually signs. The seller shall leave with the buyer a copy of the writing which has been signed by the seller and complies with division (B) of this section.
(1) The following statement shall appear clearly and conspicuously on the copy of the contract left with the buyer in bold-face type of the minimum size of ten points, in substantially the following form and in immediate proximity to the space reserved in the contract for the signature of the buyer: "You, the buyer, may cancel this transaction at any time prior to midnight of the third business day after the date of this transaction. See the attached notice of cancellation for an explanation of this right.
1345.24 Retaining notice of cancellation.
In a home solicitation sale, the seller shall retain, for the period in which an action to enforce the sale could be commenced, any notice of cancellation made pursuant to section 1345.22 of the Revised Code. The seller shall also retain any envelope in which a notice of cancellation is sent or delivered. If the date of delivery is not indicated or recorded on the notice of cancellation or on the envelope, the seller shall record the date of delivery on the notice of cancellation.
Where a sale is made pursuant to negotiations that occur at a place other than the seller's fixed location business establishment where goods or services are offered or exhibited for sale, but the agreement or offer to purchase is signed at a seller's fixed location business establishment, a presumption arises that the sale was a home solicitation sale.
1345.26 Right of buyer after cancellation.
If, following the cancellation of a home solicitation sale by the buyer, the seller fails to return any goods traded in by the buyer, the buyer may elect to recover an amount equal to the trade-in allowance stated in the agreement. Until division (D)(4) of section 1345.23 of the Revised Code has been complied with by the seller, the buyer may retain possession of the goods delivered to him by the seller and has a lien on the goods in his possession or control for any recovery to which he is entitled.
1345.27 Right of seller after cancellation.
Except as provided in section 1345.26 of the Revised Code, within a reasonable time after a home solicitation sale has been cancelled or an offer to purchase has been revoked, the buyer upon demand must make available to the seller any goods delivered by the seller pursuant to the sale. The goods made available shall not have been diminished in quantity nor subjected to unreasonable wear or use. The buyer is not obligated to make the goods available at any place other than his residence. If the buyer does make the goods available to the seller and the seller fails to pick them up within twenty days of the buyer's notice of cancellation the goods become the property of the buyer without obligation to pay for them. The buyer has the duty to take reasonable care of the goods in his possession before cancellation and twenty days thereafter, during which time the goods are otherwise at the seller's risk.
1345.28 Deceptive acts or practices.
Failure to comply with sections 1345.21 to 1345.27 of the Revised Code constitutes a deceptive act or practice in connection with a consumer transaction in violation of section 1345.02 of the Revised Code.
1345.30 Fitting, sale, and returns of hearing aids.
(1) "Consumer" means a person who engages in a consumer transaction with a hearing aid dealer, hearing aid fitter, physician, or audiologist.
(2) "Consumer transaction" means a sale, lease, assignment, award by chance, or other transfer of a hearing aid.
(3) "Hearing aid" has the same meaning as in section 4747.01 of the Revised Code, except that it does not include any instrument or device that fits into the ear and is intended to be used only while hunting or shooting.
(3) An audiologist licensed under Chapter 4753. of the Revised Code.
(C) No person shall sell or distribute a hearing aid through the mail to the ultimate consumer unless the person has received a written acknowledgment from the ultimate consumer that the ultimate consumer was advised that an in-person examination by a licensed professional is recommended. Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit the distribution of a repaired hearing aid to its owner through the mail upon completion of the repairs.
(D) A hearing aid dealer or hearing aid fitter licensed under Chapter 4747. of the Revised Code, a physician authorized under Chapter 4731. of the Revised Code to practice medicine and surgery or osteopathic medicine and surgery, or an audiologist licensed under Chapter 4753. of the Revised Code who enters into a consumer transaction with a consumer shall provide a refund to the consumer if the hearing aid is returned to the dealer, fitter, physician, or audiologist not later than thirty days after its original delivery. The refund shall be provided regardless of the reason for the hearing aid's return and regardless of whether the hearing aid is new, refabricated, or used. The thirty-day period for return of the hearing aid does not include any period during which the dealer, fitter, physician, or audiologist has possession or control of the hearing aid after its original delivery to the consumer or a person acting on the consumer's behalf.
A dealer, fitter, physician, or audiologist shall make original delivery of a hearing aid to a consumer or person acting on the consumer's behalf either by delivery in person or by certified mail, return receipt requested. The date of in-person delivery or the date shown on the certified mail return receipt is the hearing aid's original delivery for purposes of this division.
Not later than fifteen days after presentation by the consumer to the dealer, fitter, physician, or audiologist of proof of payment of the agreed-upon consideration for the hearing aid and return of the hearing aid in the condition in which it was received, except for normal wear and tear, the dealer, fitter, physician, or audiologist shall give the consumer a full refund of the consideration paid for the hearing aid, less the amount specified by the dealer, fitter, physician, or audiologist in the receipt required by division (E) of this section to cover expenses incurred in connection with the hearing aid.
If the hearing aid is returned in a damaged condition that is beyond normal wear and tear, the dealer, fitter, physician, or audiologist, not later than fifteen days after presentation of proof of payment and return of the hearing aid, shall give the consumer a full refund of the consideration paid for the hearing aid, less an amount equal to the cost of repairing the damage to the hearing aid and the amount the dealer, fitter, physician, or audiologist could withhold under this division had the hearing aid been returned in the condition that it was received, except for normal wear and tear.
Under Ohio law (O.R.C. 1345.30 ), a consumer has the right to return a hearing aid for any reason within 30 days after it is originally delivered to the consumer or a person acting on the consumer's behalf and to receive a refund of the consideration paid for the hearing aid less an amount specified by the hearing aid dealer, hearing aid fitter, physician, or audiologist to cover expenses incurred in connection with the hearing aid not later than 15 days after presenting proof of payment for the hearing aid and returning it in the condition in which it was received, except for normal wear and tear. In this case the amount deducted from the refund will be $........"
A hearing aid dealer or fitter shall include the statement in the receipt required by section 4747.09 of the Revised Code.
Amended by 130th General Assembly File No. TBD, HB 109, §1, eff. 3/23/2015.
1345.31 Failing to comply with refund obligations.
The failure of a hearing aid dealer, hearing aid fitter, physician, or audiologist to comply with section 1345.30 of the Revised Code is an unfair or deceptive act or practice in violation of section 1345.02 of the Revised Code. All powers and remedies available to the attorney general to enforce sections 1345.01 to 1345.13 of the Revised Code as regards an unfair or deceptive act or practice are available to the attorney general to enforce section 1345.30 of the Revised Code, and all remedies available to consumers under section 1345.09 of the Revised Code to remedy violations of section 1345.02 of the Revised Code are available to consumers to remedy failure to comply with section 1345.30 of the Revised Code.
1345.41 Prepaid entertainment contract definitions.
(4) Health spa service, which includes contracts for instruction, training, or assistance in physical culture, body-building, exercising, reducing, figure development, or any other similar activity or for the use of the facilities of a health spa, gymnasium, or other facility used for any purpose described in this division or for membership in any group, club, association, or organization formed for any purpose described in this division.
"Prepaid entertainment contracts" do not include contracts for services rendered by any public or private nonprofit school, college, or university; by the state or any of its political subdivisions; or by any nonprofit religious, ethnic, or community organization.
(B) "Purchase price" means the total cumulative price of a prepaid entertainment service, whether under single or multiple contracts, including all interest and service charges.
(C) "Business day" means any calendar day except Sunday, or a legal holiday as defined in section 1.14 of the Revised Code.
(D) "First service" means the first service rendered to the buyer under a prepaid entertainment contract that is typical of the type of service rendered throughout the course of the contract and that is not a special or an introductory service.
1345.42 Contract provision of prepaid entertainment contracts.
(A) All prepaid entertainment contracts between the same seller and the same buyer that are in effect at the same time, or the terms of which overlap for any period, shall be considered as one contract for the purpose of sections 1345.43 and 1345.44 of the Revised Code.
(9) Not require the buyer to pay more than fifty dollars or ten per cent of the total contract price, whichever is the lesser amount, prior to the date on which the facility or service that is the subject of the contract is available for use by the buyer.
1345.421 Surety bond where facility under construction and not available for service at time buyer signs contract.
If the facility that is the subject of the contract is under construction, and is not available for service at the time the buyer signs the contract, the seller shall maintain a surety bond issued by a surety company authorized to do business in this state the principal sum of which shall be a minimum of ten thousand dollars. The seller is relieved from the obligation to maintain the bond twenty-four months after completion of the facility and commencement of service. The bond shall be in favor of the state of Ohio for the benefit of any person injured by having paid moneys for the use of a facility which fails to open within one hundred eighty days after the date upon which the buyer and seller entered into a contract, or closes within twenty-four months after completion of a facility and commencement of service. However, the aggregate liability of the surety to all persons for all breaches of the conditions of the bond provided herein shall in no event exceed the amount of the bond. Evidence of the bond shall be available for inspection upon request by the office of the attorney general, current contract holders, or prospective buyers.
1345.43 Right of buyer to cancel.
In addition to any right otherwise to revoke an offer or to terminate or cancel a sale or contract, the buyer has the right to cancel a prepaid entertainment contract until midnight of the third business day after the date on which the first service under the contract is available, and if the facility or service that is the subject of the contract is not available at the time that the buyer signs the contract, the buyer has until midnight of the seventh business day after the date on which the first service under the contract is available to cancel the contract. Cancellation is evidenced by the buyer giving written notice of cancellation to the seller at the address of any facility available for use by the buyer under the contract, the seller's electronic mail address, or the seller's facsimile number. The buyer shall deliver the notice by manual delivery, personal delivery, or by certified mail delivery, return receipt requested, electronic mail, or facsimile transmission. Notice of cancellation by certified mail delivery shall be effective upon the date of post marking. Electronic mail delivery is effective when the electronic mail is sent to the seller's electronic mail address. Facsimile delivery is effective when the facsimile is sent to the seller's facsimile number and the consumer has received confirmation of the facsimile transmission. Manual delivery or personal delivery is effective when delivered to the seller or to the seller's address, whichever comes first. Notice of cancellation need not take a particular form and is sufficient if it indicates, by any form of written expression, the intention of the buyer not to be bound by the contract. Notice of the buyer's right to cancel must appear on all notes or other evidence of indebtedness given pursuant to any prepaid entertainment contract.
1345.44 Prepaid entertainment contract form.
(A) Every prepaid entertainment contract shall state the date on which the buyer actually signs. The seller shall give the buyer a copy of the contract that has been signed by the seller and complies with division (B) of this section.
To cancel this contract you must deliver in person, manually, by certified mail, return receipt requested, or by facsimile transmission, the signed and dated copy of this cancellation notice or any other written notice of cancellation, or send an electronic mail message, to (name of seller), at (the address of any facility of the seller available for use by the buyer, the seller's facsimile number, or the seller's electronic mail address) not later than midnight of the third business day after the date on which the first service under the contract is available, and if the facility or service that is the subject of the contract is not available when the contract was signed, not later than midnight of the seventh business day after the date on which the first service under the contract is available.
(2) Before furnishing copies of the notice of cancellation to the buyer, the seller shall complete both copies by entering the name of the seller, the address of the facility available for use by the buyer, the seller's facsimile number, or the seller's electronic mail address, and the date of the contract.
(C) Until the seller has complied with this section, the buyer may cancel the contract by delivering to the seller by certified mail, personal or manual delivery, facsimile transmission, or electronic mail, written notice to the seller of the buyer's intention to cancel. The period within which the buyer may cancel the contract prescribed by this section begins to run from the time the seller complies with divisions (A) and (B) of this section.
(c) Notify the buyer if the seller intends to repossess or abandon any evidence of membership or other goods provided to the buyer by the seller pursuant to the contract.
(E) If there is in effect an earlier prepaid entertainment contract, this section and section 1345.43 of the Revised Code apply to a transaction in which the seller and the buyer enter into a new prepaid entertainment contract, or a modification of the earlier contract.
1345.45 Retaining notice of cancellation.
If a buyer cancels a prepaid entertainment contract pursuant to sections 1345.41 to 1345.50 of the Revised Code, the seller shall retain for the period in which an action to enforce the contract could be commenced, the notice of cancellation made pursuant to section 1345.43 of the Revised Code. If the date of delivery is not indicated or recorded on the notice of cancellation, the seller shall record the date of delivery on the notice of cancellation.
1345.46 Buyer to deliver goods or evidence of membership to seller after cancellation.
Within twenty days after a prepaid entertainment contract has been canceled pursuant to sections 1345.41 to 1345.50 of the Revised Code, the buyer upon demand must deliver to the seller any evidence of membership or other goods provided to the buyer by the seller pursuant to the contract. The buyer may deliver evidence of membership or other goods provided under the contract by certified mail, manual delivery, or other personal delivery. The goods shall not be diminished in quantity nor subjected to unreasonable wear or use. If the seller fails to demand possession of the goods within twenty days of the buyer's notice of cancellation, the goods become the property of the buyer without obligation to pay for them. The buyer has the duty to take reasonable care of the goods in his possession before cancellation and twenty days thereafter, during which time the goods are otherwise at the seller's risk.
1345.47 Defenses of buyer against holder in due course.
Notwithstanding section 1303.35 of the Revised Code, a buyer who executes a prepaid entertainment contract or a note in connection with such a contract may assert as a defense to a claim by a holder in due course, as defined in section 1303.32 of the Revised Code, any defense that the buyer may assert against the seller of the prepaid entertainment contract.
1345.48 Deceptive acts or practices - damages.
(A) Failure to comply with sections 1345.41 to 1345.50 of the Revised Code constitutes a deceptive act or practice in connection with a consumer transaction in violation of section 1345.02 of the Revised Code.
(B) If the seller of a prepaid entertainment contract fails to comply with division (D)(4)(a) of section 1345.44 of the Revised Code, the buyer may recover the amount of money due to him under that section and, in addition, may recover damages in an amount equal to the amount of money due to him and reasonable attorney's fees.
Any waiver by the buyer of the provisions of sections 1345.41 to 1345.50 of the Revised Code is contrary to public policy and is void.
The remedies provided in sections 1345.41 to 1345.50 of the Revised Code are in addition to remedies otherwise available under state or local law.
1345.51 Consumer protection enforcement fund.
There is hereby created in the state treasury the consumer protection enforcement fund. The fund shall include civil penalties ordered pursuant to divisions (A) and (D) of section 1345.07 of the Revised Code and paid as provided in division (G) of that section, all civil penalties assessed under division (A) of section 1349.192 of the Revised Code, all costs awarded to the attorney general and all penalties imposed under section 4549.48 of the Revised Code, and all money unclaimed under section 4549.50 of the Revised Code. The money in the consumer protection enforcement fund shall be used for the sole purpose of paying expenses incurred by the consumer protection section of the office of the attorney general.
Effective Date: 12-05-1996; 02-17-2006; 2008 SB269 04-07-2009 .
1345.52 Title defect recision fund.
There is hereby created in the state treasury the title defect recision fund. The fund shall consist of money collected under section 4505.09 of the Revised Code when a motor vehicle dealer is issued a certificate of title, money collected under section 4517.10 of the Revised Code when the registrar of motor vehicles grants the initial application of a person for a license as a motor vehicle dealer or motor vehicle leasing dealer, money collected under division (L) of section 4517.22 of the Revised Code, money paid to the attorney general by motor vehicle dealers under division (A)(2) of section 4505.181 of the Revised Code for deposit into the fund, the proceeds of all sales conducted and collections obtained by the attorney general under division (E) of that section, and any recoveries to the fund obtained by the attorney general in actions filed under section 1345.07 of the Revised Code for violations of section 4505.181 of the Revised Code.
Amended by 130th General Assembly File No. TBD, HB 318, §1, eff. 3/23/2015.
1345.61 Invention development services definitions.
(A) "Contract for invention development services" means a contract by which an invention developer undertakes invention development services for a customer.
(B) "Customer" means any person who enters into a contract for invention development services regarding an invention, except any person, other than an individual, who purchases invention development services as an adjunct to the traditional commercial enterprises in which it engages as a livelihood. "Customer" does not include a corporation.
(C) "Invention development services" means any act, including the evaluation, perfecting, marketing, brokering, or promoting of an invention, that is done by or for an invention developer in connection with the procurement or attempted procurement by the invention developer of a licensee or buyer of an intellectual property right in the invention.
(5) Any person who does not charge a fee for invention development services other than any payment made from a portion of the income received by a customer by virtue of invention development services performed by the person. For the purposes of this division, "fee" includes any payment made by the customer to the person including reimbursement for expenditures made or costs incurred by the person.
(E) "Invention" means a discovery, process, machine, design, formulation, product, concept, or idea, or any combination of them, whether patentable or not.
1345.62 Invention development services contracts.
(A) Every contract for invention development services shall be in writing and is subject to sections 1345.61 to 1345.68 of the Revised Code. The invention developer shall give a copy of the written contract to the customer at the time the customer signs the contract.
(B) The invention developer shall provide in writing a description of the services to be performed pursuant to each contract. At the time the customer signs the contract, it shall state the fees and other consideration, if any, that may be required of the customer.
(C) Any contract for invention development services signed by the invention developer and the customer may be revoked by either party prior to the expiration of a four working day period commencing on the date on which the customer and the invention developer sign the contract.
(1) Either the invention developer or the customer may revoke the contract by written notice to the other within four working days of the date the contract was signed by both. Written notice of revocation is effective upon the date of postmarking, if mailed, or upon receipt.
(2) The invention developer upon revocation shall return to the customer any payment made on account of the performance of services specified in the contract and the customer shall return all materials and contracts submitted to him by the invention developer.
1345.63 Conspicuous and legible cover sheet with notice.
"The purchase of invention development services is a high risk expenditure. The performance of the services detailed in the contract provides no guarantee or promise of profits, or that your invention or idea will be purchased by a manufacturer. Only a very small percentage of inventions have a chance at receiving profits. An invention developer can assist you in your efforts."
(B) The cover sheet notice shall contain the name, home office address, and local office address of the invention developer.
(C) The cover sheet notice shall contain the items required by divisions (A) and (B) of this section and shall not contain anything except those items.
The invention developer shall maintain a record with respect to each contract which contains the name and address of each person to whom the customer's invention or idea is submitted, and the date of submission. The customer may request a copy of or inspect the record during normal working hours.
(A) The terms and conditions of payment and contract revocation rights required by section 1345.62 of the Revised Code.
(B) The name and principal place of business in Ohio of the invention developer. In the event that a substantial portion of the contractual services are to be performed outside of the state of Ohio, the name and address of the invention developer who will perform those services.
(A) Any customer who is injured by a violation of sections 1345.61 to 1345.67 of the Revised Code has an action at law as provided by this section.
(2) The customer's acceptance of the invention development services contract in reliance upon any fraudulent misrepresentation or omission of material fact.
(A) Every invention developer rendering or offering to render invention development services in this state shall maintain a bond in the amount of ten thousand dollars issued by a surety company that is authorized to do business in this state. The invention developer shall file a copy of the bond with the secretary of state prior to the time the invention developer first commences business in this state.
(B) The bond required by division (A) of this section shall be payable in favor of the state for the benefit of any person who, after entering into a contract for invention development services with an invention developer, is damaged by fraud, dishonesty, or the failure of the invention developer to provide the invention development services required in performance of the contract. Any person claiming against the bond may maintain an action against the invention developer and the surety. The aggregate liability of the surety to all persons for all breaches of conditions of the bond provided in this section shall not exceed the amount of the bond.
(D) The bond or deposit required by this section shall be canceled or returned to the invention developer two years after he ceases doing business in this state so long as no lawsuits by Ohio customers are pending against it at the time. The secretary of state shall cancel or return the bond or deposit as required by this section no later than sixty days after the invention developer gives notice of his eligibility for the cancellation and return of the bond or deposit.
1345.68 Effect on other obligations, rights, or remedies.
Sections 1345.61 to 1345.68 of the Revised Code do not annul or limit any obligations, rights, or remedies that might otherwise be applicable or available under the laws of this state.
1345.71 Nonconforming new motor vehicle law definitions.
(D) "Motor vehicle" means any passenger car or noncommercial motor vehicle or those parts of any motor home that are not part of the permanently installed facilities for cold storage, cooking and consuming of food, and for sleeping but does not mean any mobile home or recreational vehicle, or any manufactured home as defined in section 3781.06 of the Revised Code.
(E) "Nonconformity" means any defect or condition that substantially impairs the use, value, or safety of a motor vehicle to the consumer and does not conform to the express warranty of the manufacturer or distributor.
(1) In the case of a sale, the contract price for the motor vehicle, including charges for transportation, undercoating, dealer-installed options and accessories, dealer services, dealer preparation, and delivery charges; all finance, credit insurance, warranty, and service contract charges incurred by the consumer; and all sales tax, license and registration fees, and other government charges.
1345.72 Duty to repair - repair unsuccessful.
(4) There has been at least one attempt to repair a nonconformity that results in a condition that is likely to cause death or serious bodily injury if the vehicle is driven, and the nonconformity either continues to exist or recurs.
(1) Any period of time described in division (A) of this section shall be extended by any period of time during which the vehicle could not be reasonably repaired due to war, invasion, civil unrest, strike, fire, flood, or natural disaster.
(2) If an extension of time is necessitated under division (B)(1) of this section due to the conditions described in that division, the manufacturer shall arrange for the use of a vehicle for the consumer whose vehicle is out of service at no cost to the consumer. If the manufacturer utilizes or contracts with a motor vehicle dealer or other third party to provide the vehicle, the manufacturer shall reimburse the motor vehicle dealer or other third party at a reasonable rate for the use of the vehicle.
1345.74 Providing written statement of rights.
1345.75 Civil action for loss.
1345.76 Resale or lease of buyback conditions.
1345.77 Establishment and qualification of informal dispute resolution mechanism.
1345.81 Using nonoriginal equipment manufacturer aftermarket crash parts.
(1) "Aftermarket crash part" means a replacement for any of the nonmechanical sheet metal or plastic parts that generally constitute the exterior of a motor vehicle, including inner and outer panels.
1345.90 Defective assistive device definitions.
(A) "Assistive device" means a product designed and intended to be used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of an individual with a disability in seeing, hearing, speaking, walking, breathing, performing manual tasks, learning, working, or self-care. "Assistive device" includes a wheelchair, motorized scooter, assistive listening device, voice synthesized computer module, optical scanner, talking software, braille printer, environmental control, adaptive transportation aid, communication board, or any device that has a function similar to that of any of the foregoing devices. "Assistive device" does not include an invasive or noninvasive medical device that attempts to treat a medical condition or a hearing aid as defined in section 4747.01 of the Revised Code.
(B) "Consumer" means a person, other than a manufacturer or supplier, who purchases, leases, or otherwise acquires a new assistive device or a person who acquires an assistive device while the warranty required by section 1345.91 of the Revised Code is in effect.
(C) "Consumer transaction" means a sale, lease, or other transfer of an assistive device to a consumer for consideration of five hundred dollars or more.
(D) "Defect" means a condition that substantially impairs the use, value, or safety of an assistive device. "Defect" does not include a condition resulting from abuse, misuse for the ordinary purpose or particular purpose, or unauthorized modification or alteration of an assistive device by a consumer.
(E) "Manufacturer" means a person who manufactures, assembles, imports, or distributes assistive devices, including an agent of a manufacturer. "Manufacturer" does not include a supplier.
(F) "Supplier" means a seller, lessor, assignor, franchiser, or other person, other than a manufacturer, engaged in the business of effecting consumer transactions, whether or not the person deals directly with the consumer.
(A) As used in this section and in section 1345.92 of the Revised Code, "collateral costs" mean expenses incurred by a consumer in connection with the repair of a defect in an assistive device, including sales tax and the cost of shipping.
(B) A manufacturer that enters into a consumer transaction, either directly or through a supplier, shall provide an express written warranty to the consumer covering the full cost of any repair of the assistive device, or the cost, as specified in section 1345.92 of the Revised Code, of the replacement of the assistive device, necessitated by a defect in the assistive device. The warranty shall also cover the consumer's collateral costs associated with repair or replacement. The warranty shall be for a period of not less than one year from the day the consumer first possesses the assistive device. The warranty document shall specify whether the consumer is to return the assistive device to the manufacturer or to the supplier to invoke the warranty. A manufacturer who fails to provide the warranty is deemed to have provided it.
To invoke the warranty, the consumer shall return the assistive device to the manufacturer or supplier, as specified in the warranty document, with an explanation of the nature of the defect. The warranty shall be honored if the assistive device is returned during the warranty period or, if shipping is required, the consumer gives notice of the defect to the manufacturer or supplier during the warranty period, regardless of when repairs are actually made.
(2) The defect is the same defect for which the assistive device was returned to the manufacturer or supplier for repair on three or more previous occasions.
(D) A manufacturer's duty to provide a replacement or reimbursement under this section remains in effect for the duration of the warranty period.
1345.92 Repair is unsuccessful or untimely.
(c) The value of the assistive device at the lease expiration date if the lease sets forth that value.
(2) "Reasonable allowance for use" means an amount not to exceed the amount obtained by multiplying the total purchase or lease price by a fraction, the denominator of which is one thousand eight hundred twenty-five and the numerator of which is the number of days the consumer used the assistive device before first notifying the manufacturer or supplier of the defect.
(B) For the purpose of this section, any acquisition of an assistive device other than pursuant to a lease shall be treated as a purchase.
(b) If the device was leased, accept return of the assistive device and refund to the consumer any amount the consumer paid under the lease plus collateral costs, less a reasonable allowance for use. The consumer's return of the assistive device to the manufacturer or supplier under this division terminates the lease.
(2) Replace the assistive device with a comparable new assistive device within thirty days after the consumer offers to return the defective assistive device. When the manufacturer or supplier provides the new assistive device, the consumer shall return the defective assistive device to the manufacturer along with any endorsements necessary to transfer legal possession.
(D) If the supplier attempts to repair an assistive device under the manufacturer's warranty, the manufacturer shall reimburse the supplier any costs reasonably incurred by the supplier in making or attempting to make the repair.
If a consumer receives a refund under division (C)(1)(b) of this section, the manufacturer shall refund to the supplier and to the holder of any perfected security interest in the assistive device, as their interest may appear, the current value of the written lease, less any expenses or obligations the supplier avoids as a result of the early termination of the lease.
If the supplier provides a new assistive device or a refund under division (C)(1)(a) of this section to the consumer, the manufacturer shall refund to the supplier an amount equal to the supplier's purchase price and any costs reasonably incurred by the supplier in the supplier's attempt to repair the assistive device. To receive the refund, the supplier shall return the defective assistive device to the manufacturer. The manufacturer shall provide the refund to the supplier on receipt of the assistive device. When the manufacturer provides the refund, the supplier shall provide to the manufacturer any endorsements necessary to transfer legal possession to the manufacturer.
An assistive device returned to a manufacturer in accordance with section 1345.92 of the Revised Code by a consumer or supplier in this state or another state shall not be the subject of another consumer transaction in this state unless the manufacturer fully discloses the defect to the prospective consumer.
1345.94 Applicability of consumer sales practices act.
The failure of a manufacturer to comply with sections 1345.91, 1345.93, and 1345.95 and division (C) of section 1345.92 of the Revised Code is an unfair or deceptive act or practice in violation of section 1345.02 of the Revised Code. All powers and remedies available to the attorney general to enforce sections 1345.01 to 1345.13 of the Revised Code are available to the attorney general to enforce sections 1345.90 to 1345.95 of the Revised Code, and all remedies available to consumers under section 1345.09 of the Revised Code to remedy violations of section 1345.02 of the Revised Code are available to consumers to remedy failure to comply with sections 1345.90 to 1345.95 of the Revised Code.
1345.95 Remedies waiver of rights.
The remedies in sections 1345.90 to 1345.95 of the Revised Code are in addition to remedies otherwise available for the same conduct under state or local law.
Any waiver of rights by a consumer of the provisions of sections 1345.90 to 1345.95 of the Revised Code is void.
1345.99 [Effective Until 7/1/2019] Penalty.
(A) Whoever violates section 1345.23 or 1345.24 of the Revised Code is guilty of a minor misdemeanor.
(B) Whoever violates division (C) of section 1345.30 or division (D) of section 1345.76 of the Revised Code shall be fined not more than one thousand dollars.
(2) For any subsequent violation, not more than two hundred dollars for each solicitation document distributed.
Amended by 132nd General Assembly File No. TBD, HB 52, §1, eff. 5/11/2018.
(D) [Added by 132nd General Assembly File No. TBD, SB 223] Whoever negligently violates section 1345.022 of the Revised Code shall be fined not more than one thousand dollars.
Amended by 132nd General Assembly File No. TBD, SB 223, §1, eff. 7/1/2019.

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