reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 66 - Commerce and Business › Article 25 - Regulation of Precious Metal Businesses. › §§ 66-164: Recodified as Part 2 of Article 45 of Chapter 66, G.S. 66-405 through 66-414, by Session Laws 2012-46, s. 15, effective October 1, 2012, and applicable to offenses committed on or after that date.

§ 66-164: Recodified as Part 2 of Article 45 of Chapter 66, G.S. 66-405 through 66-414, by Session Laws 2012-46, s. 15, effective October 1, 2012, and applicable to offenses committed on or after that date.
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 66 - Commerce and Business › Article 25 - Regulation of Precious Metal Businesses. › §§ 66-165: Recodified as Part 2 of Article 45 of Chapter 66, G.S. 66-405 through 66-414, by Session Laws 2012-46, s. 15, effective October 1, 2012, and applicable to offenses committed on or after that date.

§ 66-165: Recodified as Part 2 of Article 45 of Chapter 66, G.S. 66-405 through 66-414, by Session Laws 2012-46, s. 15, effective October 1, 2012, and applicable to offenses committed on or after that date.
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 66 - Commerce and Business › Article 25 - Regulation of Precious Metal Businesses. › §§ 66-167: Recodified as Part 2 of Article 45 of Chapter 66, G.S. 66-405 through 66-414, by Session Laws 2012-46, s. 15, effective October 1, 2012, and applicable to offenses committed on or after that date.

§ 66-167: Recodified as Part 2 of Article 45 of Chapter 66, G.S. 66-405 through 66-414, by Session Laws 2012-46, s. 15, effective October 1, 2012, and applicable to offenses committed on or after that date.
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 66 - Commerce and Business › Article 25 - Regulation of Precious Metal Businesses. › §§ 66-168: Recodified as Part 2 of Article 45 of Chapter 66, G.S. 66-405 through 66-414, by Session Laws 2012-46, s. 15, effective October 1, 2012, and applicable to offenses committed on or after that date.

§ 66-168: Recodified as Part 2 of Article 45 of Chapter 66, G.S. 66-405 through 66-414, by Session Laws 2012-46, s. 15, effective October 1, 2012, and applicable to offenses committed on or after that date.
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 66 - Commerce and Business › Article 25 - Regulation of Precious Metal Businesses. › §§ 66-169: Recodified as Part 2 of Article 45 of Chapter 66, G.S. 66-405 through 66-414, by Session Laws 2012-46, s. 15, effective October 1, 2012, and applicable to offenses committed on or after that date.

§ 66-169: Recodified as Part 2 of Article 45 of Chapter 66, G.S. 66-405 through 66-414, by Session Laws 2012-46, s. 15, effective October 1, 2012, and applicable to offenses committed on or after that date.
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 66 - Commerce and Business › Article 25 - Regulation of Precious Metal Businesses. › §§ 66-170: Recodified as Part 2 of Article 45 of Chapter 66, G.S. 66-405 through 66-414, by Session Laws 2012-46, s. 15, effective October 1, 2012, and applicable to offenses committed on or after that date.

§ 66-170: Recodified as Part 2 of Article 45 of Chapter 66, G.S. 66-405 through 66-414, by Session Laws 2012-46, s. 15, effective October 1, 2012, and applicable to offenses committed on or after that date.
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 66 - Commerce and Business › Article 25 - Regulation of Precious Metal Businesses. › §§ 66-171: Recodified as Part 2 of Article 45 of Chapter 66, G.S. 66-405 through 66-414, by Session Laws 2012-46, s. 15, effective October 1, 2012, and applicable to offenses committed on or after that date.

§ 66-171: Recodified as Part 2 of Article 45 of Chapter 66, G.S. 66-405 through 66-414, by Session Laws 2012-46, s. 15, effective October 1, 2012, and applicable to offenses committed on or after that date.
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 66 - Commerce and Business › Article 25 - Regulation of Precious Metal Businesses. › §§ 66-172: Recodified as Part 2 of Article 45 of Chapter 66, G.S. 66-405 through 66-414, by Session Laws 2012-46, s. 15, effective October 1, 2012, and applicable to offenses committed on or after that date.

§ 66-172: Recodified as Part 2 of Article 45 of Chapter 66, G.S. 66-405 through 66-414, by Session Laws 2012-46, s. 15, effective October 1, 2012, and applicable to offenses committed on or after that date.
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 66 - Commerce and Business › Article 25 - Regulation of Precious Metal Businesses. › §§ 66-173: Recodified as Part 2 of Article 45 of Chapter 66, G.S. 66-405 through 66-414, by Session Laws 2012-46, s. 15, effective October 1, 2012, and applicable to offenses committed on or after that date.

§ 66-173: Recodified as Part 2 of Article 45 of Chapter 66, G.S. 66-405 through 66-414, by Session Laws 2012-46, s. 15, effective October 1, 2012, and applicable to offenses committed on or after that date.
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 66 - Commerce and Business › Article 26 - Farm Machinery Agreements. › § 66-181 - Usage of trade.

§ 66-181. Usage of trade.
The terms "utility" and "industrial," when used to refer to equipment, implements, machinery, attachments, or repair parts, shall have the meaning commonly used and understood among dealers and suppliers of farm equipment as a usage of trade in accordance with G.S. 25-1-303(c). (1985, c. 441, s. 1; 2006-112, s. 22.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 66 - Commerce and Business › Article 26 - Farm Machinery Agreements. › § 66-182 - Notice of termination of agreements.

§ 66-182. Notice of termination of agreements.
(a) Notwithstanding any agreement to the contrary, a supplier who terminates or otherwise fails to renew or substantially changes the competitive circumstances of an agreement with a dealer without good cause shall notify the dealer of the termination not less than 90 days prior to the effective date of the termination and shall provide a 60-day right-to-cure the deficiency. If the deficiency is cured within the allotted time, the notice is void. In the case where cancellation is enacted due to market penetration, a reasonable period of time shall have existed where the supplier has worked with the dealer to gain the desired market share. If there is any reason constituting good cause for action, the notice shall state that reason.
(a1) Notwithstanding any agreement to the contrary, a supplier who terminates or otherwise fails to renew or substantially changes the competitive circumstances of an agreement with a dealer for good cause is not required to notify the dealer of the termination or to provide a right-to-cure the deficiency.
(b) Notwithstanding any agreement to the contrary, a dealer who terminates an agreement with a supplier shall notify the supplier of the termination not less than 90 days prior to the effective date of the termination.
(b1) Repealed by Session Laws 2003-195, s. 1, effective October 1, 2003.
(c) Notification under this section shall be in writing and shall be by certified mail or personally delivered to the recipient. It shall contain all of the following:
(1) A statement of intention to terminate the dealership.
(2) A statement of the reasons for the termination.
(3) The date on which the termination takes effect. (1985, c. 441, s. 1; 2001-343, s. 1; 2003-195, s. 1.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 66 - Commerce and Business › Article 26 - Farm Machinery Agreements. › § 66-183 - Supplier's duty to repurchase.

§ 66-183. Supplier's duty to repurchase.
(a) Whenever a dealer enters into an agreement evidenced by a written or oral contract in which the dealer agrees to maintain an inventory, and the agreement is terminated by either party, the supplier shall repurchase the dealer's inventory as provided in this Article unless the dealer chooses to keep the inventory. If the dealer has any outstanding debts to the supplier, then the repurchase amount may be set off or credited to the retailer's account.
(b) Whenever a dealer enters into an agreement in which the dealer agrees to maintain an inventory, and the dealer or the majority stockholder of the dealer, if the dealer is a corporation, dies or becomes incompetent, the supplier shall, at the option of the heir, personal representative, or guardian of the dealer, or the person who succeeds to the stock of the majority stockholder, repurchase the inventory as if the agreement had been terminated. The heir, personal representative, guardian, or succeeding stockholder has one year from the date of the death of the dealer or majority stockholder to exercise the option under this Article. (1985, c. 441, s. 1; 2001-343, s. 1.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 66 - Commerce and Business › Article 26 - Farm Machinery Agreements. › § 66-185 - Exceptions to repurchase requirement.

§ 66-185. Exceptions to repurchase requirement.
This Article does not require the repurchase from a dealer of:
(1) A repair part with a limited storage life or otherwise subject to deterioration, such as gaskets or batteries, except for industrial "press on" or industrial pneumatic tires.
(2) A single repair part that is priced as a set of two or more items.
(3) A repair part that, because of its condition, is not resalable as a new part without repackaging or reconditioning.
(3a) Any repair part that is not in new, unused, undamaged condition.
(4) An item of inventory for which the dealer does not have title free of all claims, liens, and encumbrances other than those of the supplier.
(5) Any inventory that the dealer chooses to keep.
(6) Any inventory that was ordered by the dealer after either party's receipt of notice of termination of the agreement.
(6a) Any farm implements and machinery, construction, utility and industrial equipment, outdoor power equipment, and attachments that are not current models or that are not in new, unused, undamaged, complete condition, provided that the equipment used in demonstrations or leased, as provided in G.S. 66-184, shall be considered new and unused.
(6b) Any farm implements and machinery, construction, utility and industrial equipment, outdoor power equipment, and attachments that were purchased more than 36 months prior to notice of termination of the agreement.
(7) Any inventory that was acquired by the dealer from a source other than the supplier. (1985, c. 441, s. 1; 2001-343, s. 1.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 66 - Commerce and Business › Article 26 - Farm Machinery Agreements. › § 66-186 - Uniform commercial practice.

§ 66-186. Uniform commercial practice.
(a) This Article does not affect a security interest of the supplier in the inventory of the dealer.
(b) Repealed by Session Laws 2004-190, s. 4, effective January 1, 2005.
(c) The dealer and supplier shall furnish representatives to inspect all parts and certify their acceptability when packed for shipment. Failure of the supplier to provide a representative within 60 days shall result in automatic acceptance by the supplier of all returned items. (1985, c. 441, s. 1; 2001-343, s. 1; 2004-190, s. 4.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 66 - Commerce and Business › Article 26 - Farm Machinery Agreements. › § 66-187.1 - Prohibited acts.

§ 66-187.1. Prohibited acts.
No supplier shall do any of the following:
(1) Coerce any dealer to accept delivery of equipment, parts, or accessories which the dealer has not ordered voluntarily, except as required by any applicable law, or unless the parts or accessories are safety parts or accessories required by the supplier.
(2) Condition the sale of additional equipment to a dealer upon a requirement that the dealer also purchase other goods or services, except that a supplier may require the dealer to purchase those parts reasonably necessary to maintain the quality of operation in the field of the equipment used in the trade area.
(3) Coerce a dealer into refusing to purchase equipment manufactured by another supplier.
(4) Terminate, cancel, or fail to renew or substantially change the competitive circumstances of the retail agreement based on the results of any circumstance beyond the dealer's control, including a natural disaster such as a sustained drought, high unemployment in the dealership market area, or a labor dispute. (2001-343, s. 1.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 66 - Commerce and Business › Article 26 - Farm Machinery Agreements. › § 66-188 - Failure to repurchase; civil remedy.

§ 66-188. Failure to repurchase; civil remedy.
(a) If a supplier fails or refuses to repurchase any inventory covered under the provisions of this Article within the time periods established in G.S. 66-184, the supplier is civilly liable for one hundred percent (100%) of the current net price of the inventory, any freight charges paid by the dealer, the dealer's reasonable attorney's fee and court costs, and interest on the current net price of the inventory computed at the legal rate of interest from the 91st day after termination of the agreement.
(b) Notwithstanding any agreement to the contrary, and in addition to any other legal remedies available, any person who suffers monetary loss due to a violation of this Article or because he refuses to accede to a proposal for an arrangement that, if consummated, is in violation of this Article, may bring a civil action to enjoin further violations and to recover damages sustained by him together with the costs of the suit, including a reasonable attorney's fee.
(b1) The provisions of G.S. 66-182 through G.S. 66-187.1 shall not be waivable in any contract or agreement, and any such attempted waiver shall be null and void.
(c) A civil action commenced under the provisions of this Article shall be brought within four years after the violation complained of is or reasonably should have been discovered, whichever occurs first. (1985, c. 441, s. 1; 2001-343, s. 1.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 66 - Commerce and Business › Article 27 - Sales Representative Commissions. › § 66-190 - Definitions.

§ 66-190. Definitions.
The following definitions apply in this Article:
(1) "Commission" means compensation accruing to a sales representative for payment by a principal, the rate of which is expressed as a percentage of the amount of orders, sales, or profits or as a specified amount per order or per sale.
(2) "Person" means an individual, corporation, limited liability company, partnership, unincorporated association, estate, trust, or other entity.
(3) "Principal" means a person who:
a. Manufactures, produces, imports, or distributes a product or service;
b. Contracts with a sales representative to solicit orders for the product or service; and
c. Compensates the sales representative, in whole or in part, by commission.
(4) "Sales representative" means a person who:
a. Contracts with a principal to solicit orders for products or services;
b. Is compensated, in whole or in part, by commission;
c. Is not a seller who complies with:
1. G.S. 25A-39 and G.S. 25A-40; or
2. Part 429 of 16 Code of Federal Regulations (January 1, 2003);
d. Repealed by Session Laws 2003-331, s. 1, effective October 1, 2003.
e. Is not an employee of the principal;
f. Does not sell or take orders for the sale of advertising services; and
g. Is not a person requiring a real estate broker's or sales agent's license under Chapter 93A of the General Statutes.
(5) "Terminate" and "termination" mean the end of the business relationship between the sales representative and the principal, whether by agreement, by expiration of time, or by exercise of a right of termination of either party. (1989, c. 506, s. 1; 2003-331, s. 1.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 66 - Commerce and Business › Article 27 - Sales Representative Commissions. › § 66-190.1 - Written contracts.

§ 66-190.1. Written contracts.
The agreement or contract between a sales representative and a principal shall be in writing. The absence of a written agreement or contract shall not bar a cause of action by, or any remedy available to, a party. (2003-331, s. 1.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 66 - Commerce and Business › Article 27 - Sales Representative Commissions. › § 66-191 - Payment of commissions; termination.

§ 66-191. Payment of commissions; termination.
When a contract between a sales representative and a principal is terminated for any reason other than malfeasance on the part of the sales representative, the principal shall pay the sales representative all commissions due under the contract within 30 days after the effective date of the termination and all commissions that become due after the effective date of termination within 15 days after they become due. If the principal does not make payment as required by this section, the sales representative shall make a written demand upon the principal, sent by certified mail, for the commissions then due. The principal shall respond in writing to the demand within 15 days after the principal receives the written demand. (1989, c. 506, s. 1; 2003-331, s. 1.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 66 - Commerce and Business › Article 27 - Sales Representative Commissions. › § 66-192 - Civil liability.

§ 66-192. Civil liability.
(a) A principal who fails to comply with the provisions of G.S. 66-191 or is shown to have wrongfully revoked an offer of commission under G.S. 66-192.1 is liable to the sales representative in a civil action for (i) all amounts due the sales representative plus exemplary damages in an amount not to exceed two times the amount of commissions due the sales representative, (ii) attorney's fees actually and reasonably incurred by the sales representative in the action, and (iii) court costs.
(b) Where the court determines that an action brought by a sales representative against a principal under this Article is frivolous, the sales representative is liable to the principal for court costs and for attorney's fees actually and reasonably incurred by the principal in defending the action.
(c) A principal who is not a resident of this State who contracts with a sales representative to solicit orders in this State shall be subject to personal jurisdiction as provided in G.S. 1-75.4.
(d) Nothing in this Article shall invalidate or restrict any other or additional right or remedy available to a sales representative or preclude a sales representative from seeking to recover in one action on all claims against a principal. (1989, c. 506, s. 1; 2003-331, s. 1.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 66 - Commerce and Business › Article 27 - Sales Representative Commissions. › § 66-192.1 - Revocable offers of commission; entitlement.

§ 66-192.1. Revocable offers of commission; entitlement.
If a principal makes a revocable offer of a commission to a sales representative, the sales representative is entitled to the commission agreed upon if:
(1) The principal revokes the offer of commission;
(2) The sales representative establishes that the revocation was for the purpose of avoiding payment of the commission;
(3) The revocation occurs after the principal has obtained a written order for the principal's product or service because of the efforts of the sales representative; and
(4) The principal's product or service that is the subject of the order is provided to and paid for by a customer. (2003-331, s. 1.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 66 - Commerce and Business › Article 27 - Sales Representative Commissions. › § 66-193 - Contracts void.

§ 66-193. Contracts void.
A provision in any contract between a sales representative and a principal purporting to waive any provision of this Article, whether by expressed waiver or by a contract subject to the laws of another state, is void. (1989, c. 506, s. 1; 2003-331, s. 1.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 66 - Commerce and Business › Article 28 - Rental Car Advertising and Sales Practices. › § 66-201 - Definitions.

§ 66-201. Definitions.
As used in this Article:
(1) "Collision damage waiver" means any contract or contractual provision, whether separate from or a part of a rental agreement, whereby the rental car company agrees for a charge to waive any and all claims against the renter for any damages to the rented vehicle during the term of the rental agreement.
(2) "Damage" means any damage or loss to the rented vehicle, including loss of use and any costs and expenses incident to the damage or loss.
(3) "Person" includes an individual, aggregation of individuals, corporation, company, association, or partnership.
(4) "Rental agreement" means any written agreement setting forth the terms and the conditions governing the use of a vehicle provided by the rental car company.
(5) "Rental car company" means any person in the business of providing vehicles to the public.
(6) "Renter" means any person obtaining the use of a vehicle from a rental car company under the terms of a rental agreement.
(7) "Vehicle" means a motor vehicle of the private passenger type including passenger vans and minivans that are primarily intended for transport of persons.
(8) "Vehicle license and registration fees" means charges that may be imposed upon any rental transaction originating in this State to recoup the costs incurred by a rental car company to license, title, inspect, and register rental vehicles. Rental car companies shall make a good faith effort to ensure that any vehicle license and registration fees collected do not exceed the actual costs incurred by the rental car company to license, title, inspect, and register rental vehicles. Any amounts collected by the rental car company in excess of the actual amount of its costs incurred shall be retained by the rental car company and applied to the costs incurred in the next calendar year for licensing, titling, inspecting, and registering rental vehicles. In that event, the good faith estimate of any vehicle license and registration fees to be charged by the company in the next calendar year shall be reduced to take into account the excess amount collected from the prior year. (1989, c. 631, s. 2; c. 770, s. 62; 2007-235, s. 1.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 66 - Commerce and Business › Article 28 - Rental Car Advertising and Sales Practices. › § 66-203 - Prohibited charges.

§ 66-203. Prohibited charges.
(a) No rental car company may charge, in addition to the rental rate, taxes, airport charges and fees, if any, vehicle license and registration fees, if any, and mileage charge, if any, any fee that must be paid by the renter as a condition of hiring or leasing a vehicle, such as, but not limited to, required fuel charges or any fee for transporting the renter to the location where the rented vehicle will be delivered to that person.
(b) If a rental car company delivers a vehicle to a person at a location other than the location where the rental car company normally carries on its business, the rental car company shall not charge that person any amount for the rental for the period before the delivery of the vehicle. If a rental car company picks up a rented vehicle from a person at a location other than the location where the rental car company normally carries on its business the rental car company shall not charge to the renter any amount for the rental for the period after the rented vehicle is available for pickup in accordance with the notification given to the rental car company to pick up the rented vehicle. (1989, c. 631, s. 2; c. 770, s. 62; 2001-432, s. 2; 2007-235, s. 3.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 66 - Commerce and Business › Article 28 - Rental Car Advertising and Sales Practices. › § 66-204 - Permitted charges.

§ 66-204. Permitted charges.
(a) In addition to the rental rate, taxes, airport charges and fees, if any, vehicle license and registration fees, if any, and mileage charge, if any, a rental car company may charge a renter for an item or service provided in connection with a particular rental transaction if the renter can avoid incurring that charge by choosing not to obtain or utilize the optional item or service. Items and services for which a rental car company may impose an additional charge include, but are not limited to: Optional insurance and accessories requested by the renter unless otherwise prohibited by law; service charges incident to a person's optional return of the vehicle to a location other than the location where the vehicle was hired or leased; optional collision damage waivers; and charges for refueling the vehicle at the conclusion of the rental transaction in the event the rented vehicle is not returned with as much fuel as was in its fuel tank at the beginning of the rental.
(b) A rental car company may also impose an additional charge based on reasonable driving experience criteria established by the rental car company. (1989, c. 631, s. 2; c. 770, s. 62; 2001-432, s. 3; 2007-235, s. 4.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 66 - Commerce and Business › Article 28 - Rental Car Advertising and Sales Practices. › § 66-205 - Agent licenses required.

§ 66-205. Agent licenses required.
No employee or other representative of a rental car company shall solicit or sell any kind of insurance in connection with a rental agreement unless he is duly licensed under Article 33 of Chapter 58 of the General Statutes. (1989, c. 631, s. 2, c. 770, s. 62.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 66 - Commerce and Business › Article 28 - Rental Car Advertising and Sales Practices. › § 66-206 - Effects of violations.

§ 66-206. Effects of violations.
Any violation of the provisions of this Article constitutes an unfair trade practice under G.S. 75-1.1. (1989, c. 631, s. 2, c. 770, s. 62.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 66 - Commerce and Business › Article 28 - Rental Car Advertising and Sales Practices. › § 66-207 - Rental car companies assist in publicizing law.

§ 66-207. Rental car companies assist in publicizing law.
(a) A rental car company shall notify renters of the law requiring motorists to stop for and not pass stopped school buses that are properly marked and designated and that are receiving or discharging passengers. The Division of Motor Vehicles shall design a written notification in English, French, German, Japanese, and Spanish and the notification shall be no more than one side of a page. The Division of Motor Vehicles shall also develop a design for use on placards under subdivisions (b)(2) and (b)(3) of this section. The design may be used or adapted by the rental car company. The placards shall consist of the words "It is unlawful in North Carolina to pass a school bus that is stopped and receiving or discharging passengers.", or a visual symbol indicating passing a stopped school bus is unlawful in North Carolina, or both. The Division of Motor Vehicles shall publish the written notification and the design for placards on the Internet and rental car companies shall obtain both by downloading and printing them from that source.
(b) The notification required under subsection (a) of this section may be made either:
(1) By handing each renter who presents an International Driver Permit with a copy of the written notification prepared by the Division of Motor Vehicles under subsection (a) of this section;
(2) If the rental car company operates airport shuttle buses to transport renters to pick up vehicles, by posting on each bus at least one placard containing a written notification or visual symbol, or both; or
(3) If the rental car company operates a counter at which renters pick up documentation, by posting on that counter or at a place easily visible from the counter at least one placard containing a written notification or visual symbol, or both.
Each placard that contains a written notification shall provide that information in all the languages listed in subsection (a) of this section.
(c) There shall be no civil or criminal liability in negligence nor shall an action under G.S. 66-206 apply for any car rental company that fails to provide the information or post the placard required by this section. (2001-331, s. 2.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 66 - Commerce and Business › Article 29 - Invention Development Services. › § 66-209 - Definitions.

§ 66-209. Definitions.
As used in this Article, the following terms shall have the meanings given:
(1) "Contract" or "contract for invention development services" means a contract by which an invention developer undertakes invention development services for a customer for a stated payment or consideration, whether or not the payment or consideration has yet been made.
(2) "Customer" means any natural person who is solicited by, inquires about, seeks the services of, or enters into a contract with an invention developer for invention development services.
(3) "Invention development services" means any act done by or for an invention developer for the procurement or attempted procurement by the invention developer of a licensee or buyer of an intellectual property right in an invention. The term includes the evaluation, perfecting, marketing, brokering, or promoting of an invention, a patent search, and preparation or prosecution of a patent application by a person not registered to practice before the United States Patent and Trademark Office.
(4) "Invention" means any discovery, process, machine, design, formulation, composition of matter, product, concept, or idea, or any combination of these.
(5) "Invention developer" is an individual, firm, partnership, or corporation, or an agent, employee, officer, partner, or independent contractor of one of those entities, that offers to perform or performs invention development services for a customer and that is not:
a. A department or agency of the federal, State, or local government;
b. A charitable, scientific, educational, religious, or other organization qualified under G.S. 105-130.9 or described in Section 170(b)(1)(A) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended;
c. A person registered before the United States Patent and Trademark Office acting solely within the scope of that person's professional license;
d. A person, firm, corporation, association, or other entity that does not charge a fee, including reimbursement for expenditures made or costs incurred by the entity, for invention development services other than payment made from a portion of the income received by a customer by virtue of the acts performed by the entity; or
e. An attorney licensed to practice law in North Carolina acting solely within the scope of that person's professional license.
(6) "Business day" means any day other than a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday. (1989, c. 746, s. 1; c. 770, s. 62.1(1), (2); 1991, c. 235, s. 1.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 66 - Commerce and Business › Article 29 - Invention Development Services. › § 66-210 - Disclosures made prior to contract.

§ 66-210. Disclosures made prior to contract.
In either the first written communication from the invention developer to a specific customer, or at the first personal meeting between the invention developer and a customer whichever may first occur, the invention developer shall make a written disclosure to the customer of the information required in this section which includes:
(1) The median fee charged to all of the invention developer's customers who have signed contracts with the developer in the preceding six months, excluding customers who have signed in the preceding 30 days;
(2) A single statement setting forth (i) the total number of customers who have contracted with the invention developer, except that the number need not reflect those customers who have contracted within the preceding 30 days, and (ii) the number of customers who have received, by virtue of the invention developer's performance of invention development services, an amount of money in excess of the amount of money paid by those customers to the invention developer pursuant to a contract for invention development services;
(3) The following statement: "Unless the invention developer is a lawyer or person registered before the United States Patent and Trademark Office, he is NOT permitted to give you legal advice concerning patent, copyright, trademark law, or the law of unfair competition or to advise you of whether your idea or invention may be patentable or may be protected under the patent, copyright, or trademark laws of the United States, or any other law. No patent, copyright, or trademark protection will be acquired for you by the invention developer. Your failure to inquire into the law governing patent, trademark, or copyright matters may jeopardize your rights in your idea or invention, both in the United States and in foreign countries. Your failure to identify and investigate existing patents, trademarks, or registered copyrights may place you in jeopardy of infringing the copyrights, patent, or trademark rights of other persons if you proceed to make, use, distribute, or sell your idea or invention." (1989, c. 746, s. 1; c. 770, s. 62.1(1), (2); 1991, c. 235, s. 1.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 66 - Commerce and Business › Article 29 - Invention Development Services. › § 66-211 - Standard provisions for cover notice.

§ 66-211. Standard provisions for cover notice.
(a) A contract for invention development services must have a conspicuous and legible cover sheet attached. The cover sheet must set forth:
(1) The name, home address, office address, and local address of the invention developer; and
(2) The following notice printed in bold-faced type of not less than 10-point size:
THIS CONTRACT BETWEEN YOU AND AN INVENTION DEVELOPER IS REGULATED BY ARTICLE 29 OF CHAPTER 66 OF THE GENERAL STATUTES OF THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA. YOU ARE NOT PERMITTED OR REQUIRED TO MAKE ANY PAYMENTS UNDER THIS CONTRACT UNTIL FOUR WORKING DAYS AFTER YOU SIGN THIS CONTRACT AND RECEIVE A COMPLETED COPY OF IT.
YOU CAN TERMINATE THIS CONTRACT AT ANY TIME BEFORE YOU MAKE PAYMENT. YOU CAN TERMINATE THIS CONTRACT SIMPLY BY NOT SUBMITTING PAYMENT.
IF YOU ASSIGN EVEN A PARTIAL INTEREST IN THE INVENTION TO THE INVENTION DEVELOPER, THE INVENTION DEVELOPER MAY HAVE THE RIGHT TO SELL OR DISPOSE OF THE INVENTION WITHOUT YOUR CONSENT AND MAY NOT HAVE TO SHARE THE PROFITS WITH YOU.
THE TOTAL NUMBER OF CUSTOMERS WHO HAVE CONTRACTED WITH THE INVENTION DEVELOPER SINCE ___(year)_____ IS _(number)___. THE TOTAL NUMBER OF CUSTOMERS KNOWN BY THIS INVENTION DEVELOPER TO HAVE RECEIVED BY VIRTUE OF THIS INVENTION DEVELOPER'S PERFORMANCE, AN AMOUNT OF MONEY IN EXCESS OF THE AMOUNT PAID BY THE CUSTOMER TO THIS INVENTION DEVELOPER IS __(number)_____.
YOU ARE ENCOURAGED TO CONSULT WITH A QUALIFIED ATTORNEY BEFORE SIGNING THIS CONTRACT. BY PROCEEDING WITHOUT THE ADVICE OF A QUALIFIED ATTORNEY YOU COULD LOSE ANY RIGHTS YOU MIGHT HAVE IN YOUR IDEA OR INVENTION.
(b) The invention developer shall complete the cover sheet with the proper information to be provided in the blanks. In the first blank the invention developer shall enter the year that the invention developer began business, or January 1, 1990, whichever is earlier. The numbers entered in the last two blanks need not include those who have contracted with the invention developer during the 30 days immediately preceding the date of the contract. If the number to be inserted in the third blank is zero, it must be so stated.
(c) The cover notice may not contain anything in addition to the information required by subsection (a) of this section. (1989, c. 746, s. 1; c. 770, s. 62.1(1)-(3); 1991, c. 235, s. 1.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 66 - Commerce and Business › Article 29 - Invention Development Services. › § 66-212 - Contracting requirements.

§ 66-212. Contracting requirements.
(a) Each contract for invention development services by which an invention developer undertakes invention development services for a customer is subject to this act. The contract must be in writing and the invention developer shall give a copy of the contract to the customer at the time the customer signs the contract.
(b) If it is the invention developer's normal practice to seek more than one contract in connection with an invention, or if the invention developer normally seeks to perform services in connection with an invention in more than one phase with the performance of each phase covered in one or more subsequent contracts, the invention developer shall give to the customer at the time the customer signs the first contract:
(1) A written statement describing that practice; and
(2) A written summary of the developer's normal terms, if any, of subsequent contracts, including the approximate amount of the developer's normal fees or other consideration, if any, that may be required from the customer.
(c) For the purposes of this section, delivery of a promissory note, check, bill of exchange, or negotiable instrument of any kind to the invention developer or to a third party for the benefit of the invention developer irrespective of the date or dates appearing in that instrument is payment.
(d) Notwithstanding any contractual provisions of [to] the contrary, payment for invention development services may not be required, made, or received before the fourth business day after the day on which the customer receives a copy of the contract for invention development services signed by the invention developer and the customer.
(e) Until the payment for invention development services is made, the parties during the contract for invention development services have the option to terminate the contract. The customer may exercise the option by refraining from making payment to the invention developer. The invention developer may exercise the option to terminate by giving to the customer written notice of its exercise of the option. The written notice becomes effective on receipt by the customer. (1989, c. 746, s. 1; c. 770, s. 62.1(1), (2); 1991, c. 235, s. 1.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 66 - Commerce and Business › Article 29 - Invention Development Services. › § 66-213 - Mandatory contract terms.

§ 66-213. Mandatory contract terms.
(a) A contract for invention development services shall set forth the information required in this section in at least 10-point type or equivalent size if handwritten.
(b) The contract shall describe fully and in detail the acts or services that the invention developer contracts to perform for the customer.
(c) The contract shall include the terms and conditions of payment and contract termination rights required by G.S. 66-212(e).
(d) The contract shall state whether the invention developer contracts to construct one or more prototypes, models, or devices embodying the customer's invention, the number of such prototypes to be constructed, and whether the invention developer contracts to sell or distribute such prototypes, models, or devices.
(e) If an oral or written estimate of projected customer sales, profits, earnings and/or royalties is made by the invention developer, the contract shall state the estimate and the data upon which it is based.
(f) The contract shall state the expected date of completion of the invention development services, whether or not time is of the essence, and whether or not the terms include provisions in case of delay past the expected date of completion.
(g) The contract shall explain that the invention developer is required to maintain all records and correspondence relating to performance of the invention development services for that customer for a period not less than three years after expiration of the term of the contract for invention development services. Further, such records and correspondence will be made available to the customer or his representative for review and copying at the customer's expense on the invention developer's premises during normal business hours upon seven days' written notice, the time period to begin from the date the notice is placed in the United States mail properly addressed and first class postage prepaid.
(h) The contract shall state the name of the person or firm contracting to perform the invention development services, all names under which said person or firm is doing or has done business as an invention developer for the previous 10 years, the names of all parent and subsidiary companies to the firm, and the names of all companies that have a contractual obligation to the firm to perform invention development services.
(i) The contract shall state the invention developer's principal business address and the name and address of its agent in this State who is authorized to receive service of process in North Carolina. (1989, c. 746, s. 1; c. 770, ss. 62.1(1), (2), (4); 1991, c. 235, s. 1.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 66 - Commerce and Business › Article 29 - Invention Development Services. › § 66-214 - Financial requirements.

§ 66-214. Financial requirements.
(a) Except as provided by subsection (c) of this section, each invention developer doing business in this State as defined by the North Carolina General Statutes shall maintain a bond issued by a surety company authorized to do business in this State. The principal sum of the bond must be at least five percent (5%) of the invention developer's gross income from the invention development business in this State during the invention developer's last fiscal year or twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000), whichever is greater. The invention developer shall file a copy of the bond with the Secretary of State before the day on which the invention developer begins business in this State. The invention developer shall have 90 days after the end of each fiscal year within which to change the bond as may be necessary to conform to the requirement of this subdivision.
(b) The bond required by subsection (a) of this section must be in favor of the State of North Carolina 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 failure to provide the services of the invention developer in performance of the contract. Any person claiming against the bond may maintain an action at law against the invention developer and surety. The aggregate liability of the surety to all persons for all breaches of conditions of the bond required by the subsection is limited to the amount of the bond.
(c) Instead of furnishing the bond required by subsection (a) of this section, the invention developer may deposit with the Secretary of State a cash deposit equal to the amount of the bond required by this section. The cash deposit may be satisfied by:
(1) Certificates of deposit payable to the Secretary of State issued by banks doing business in this State and insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation;
(2) Investment certificates of share accounts assigned to the Secretary of State and issued by a savings and loan association doing business in this State, and insured by the Federal Savings and Loan Insurance Corporation;
(3) Bearer bonds issued by the United States government or by this State; or
(4) Cash deposit with the Secretary of State. (1989, c. 746, s. 1; c. 770, s. 62.1(1), (2); 1991, c. 235, s. 1.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 66 - Commerce and Business › Article 29 - Invention Development Services. › § 66-215 - Remedies.

§ 66-215. Remedies.
(a) Any contract for invention development services that does not substantially comply with this Article is voidable at the option of the customer. A contract for invention development services entered into in reliance on any false, fraudulent, or misleading information, representation, notice, or advertisement of the invention developer is voidable at the option of the customer. Any waiver by the customer of any provision of this act shall be deemed contrary to public policy and shall be void and unenforceable.
(b) Any customer or person who has been injured by a violation of this Article by an invention developer, by a false or fraudulent statement, representation, or omission of material fact by an invention developer, or by failure of an invention developer to make all disclosures required by this Article may recover in a civil action against the invention developer:
(1) Court costs;
(2) Attorneys['] fees; and
(3) The amount of actual damages, if any, sustained by the customer, which damages may be increased to an amount not to exceed three times the damages sustained. (1989, c. 746, s. 1; c. 770, s. 62.1(1), (2); 1991, c. 235, s. 1.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 66 - Commerce and Business › Article 29 - Invention Development Services. › § 66-216 - Enforcement.

§ 66-216. Enforcement.
The Attorney General shall enforce this Article and may recover a civil penalty not to exceed twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000) for each violation of this Article and may seek equitable relief to restrain the violation of this Article. The clear proceeds of civil penalties provided for in this section shall be remitted to the Civil Penalty and Forfeiture Fund in accordance with G.S. 115C-457.2. (1989, c. 746, s. 1; c. 770, s. 62.1(1), (2); 1991, c. 235, s. 1; 1998-215, s. 97.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 66 - Commerce and Business › Article 30 - Credit Repair Services Act. › § 66-220 - Short title and purpose.

§ 66-220. Short title and purpose.
(a) This Article shall be known and may be cited as the Credit Repair Services Act.
(b) The General Assembly recognizes that many of its citizens rely heavily on favorable credit ratings in order to obtain goods and services, and that some of these citizens are unable to secure credit because of unfavorable credit histories. The General Assembly further recognizes that consumers sometimes need assistance in obtaining credit or in correcting erroneous credit histories, and that this need has given rise to the establishment of businesses organized for the purpose of providing credit repair services. The purpose of this Article is to ensure that businesses offering credit repair services are providing these services in a manner that is fair and reasonable to the consuming public. (1991, c. 327, s. 1.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 66 - Commerce and Business › Article 30 - Credit Repair Services Act. › § 66-221 - Definitions.

§ 66-221. Definitions.
As used in this Article, unless the context requires otherwise:
(1) "Credit repair business" means any person who, with respect to the extension of credit by others, sells, provides, or performs, or represents that such person can or will sell, provide, or perform any of the following services in return for the payment of money or other valuable consideration:
a. Improving, repairing, or correcting a consumer's credit record, history, or rating;
b. Obtaining revolving charge card credit or retail installment credit;
c. Providing advice or assistance to a consumer with regard to either sub-subdivision a. or b. above.
(2) "Credit repair business" does not include:
a. Any bank, credit union, or savings institution organized and chartered under the laws of this State or the United States, or any consumer finance lender licensed pursuant to Article 15 of Chapter 53 of the General Statutes;
b. Any nonprofit organization exempt from taxation under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (26 U.S.C. § 501(c)(3));
c. Any person licensed as a real estate broker or real estate salesman by this State where the person is acting within the course and scope of the license;
d. Any person licensed to practice law in this State where the person renders services within the course and scope of that person's practice as a lawyer;
e. Any broker-dealer registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission or the Commodities Future Trading Commission where the broker-dealer is acting within the course and scope of that regulation; or
f. Any consumer reporting agency as defined in the Federal Fair Credit Reporting Act.
(3) "Consumer" means any individual who is solicited to purchase or who purchases the services of a credit repair business. (1991, c. 327, s. 1.)