Learn in the textbookLaws on Fair Trade, Finance, and Product Liability
DefinitionThe Product Liability (PL) Act (PL法, 製造物責任法) provides that when a defect in a product causes harm to a person's life, body or property, the manufacturer or similar party must pay compensation whether or not it was negligent.
ExplanationA covered product is movable property that has been manufactured or processed, meaning a tangible thing other than land or buildings, so real estate and software on its own, which is intangible information, are excluded. A defect means the product lacks the safety it should normally have, and this includes not only design or manufacturing errors but also inadequate warnings or explanations about hazards. The manufacturers and similar parties who bear liability include, besides those who made or processed the product, importers and anyone who put their name on it as the manufacturer.
AnalogyIt is a shield for victims: someone hurt by a defective product can seek compensation by showing the product itself was dangerous, without having to pin down the maker's carelessness.
Memory hookPL stands for Product Liability. Remember that liability is marked by a flaw in the thing, not a fault in the person.