Provision Which Violates General Business Law 395-a (Re: Maintenance Agreements) Did Not Render Contract Null and Void
In a full-fledged opinion by Judge Read (with a dissent by Judge Smith) the Court of Appeals determined that a contract provision which violated General Business Law 395-a (2) did not render the contract null and void and a private right of action pursuant to General Business Law section 349 did not lie for the violation. Section 395-a provides that a maintenance agreement covering parts and/or service can not be terminated by the party offering the agreement during the term of the agreement. The maintenance agreement at issue included a “store closure” provision which allowed the defendant to terminate the maintenance agreement in the event of closure of the store issuing the agreement. The Court assumed that the “store closure” provision violated the General Business Law but held the violation did not render the contract null and void. The Court further determined the violation did not constitute a deceptive practice within the meaning of General Business Law 349. Schlessinger…v Valspar Corporation, No 66, CtApp, 5-30-13