Legal Definitions - immediate possession

Immediate possession refers to the direct, present control over an item or property. It means that a person either currently holds or has the immediate right and ability to exercise physical control over something, without any intervening steps or delays required to gain that control. It signifies a direct and unhindered relationship between a person and the object or property in question.

• Example 1: Physical Goods in Hand

  Imagine a customer at a bookstore who picks up a novel from the shelf and carries it to the checkout counter. While they haven't yet paid for it, they have immediate possession of the book. They are physically holding it, moving it, and exercising direct control over it within the store's premises, even if their ownership is not yet established.

• Example 2: Real Estate Access

  Consider a new homeowner who receives the keys to their recently purchased house on the closing date. Even if their moving truck hasn't arrived and no furniture is inside, they have immediate possession of the property. They possess the direct means (the keys) and the legal right to enter, occupy, and control the house without any further permissions or delays.

• Example 3: Digital Assets

  A graphic designer purchases a premium font license online. Immediately after the transaction is complete, the website provides a download link for the font files. The designer now has immediate possession of the font. They don't need to wait for physical delivery; the digital asset is directly accessible and controllable, allowing them to download and use it instantly in their projects.