Legal Definitions - releasee

A releasee is the individual or entity that benefits from a "release." In legal terms, a release signifies being freed from an obligation, a claim, or receiving an interest in property that was previously held by another party.

Here are some examples to illustrate this concept:

• Example 1: Contractual Obligation

  Imagine a software development company, Tech Solutions Inc., had a contract to build a new application for a client, Global Enterprises. Due to unforeseen circumstances, Tech Solutions Inc. cannot complete the project. After negotiations, Global Enterprises agrees to sign a document releasing Tech Solutions Inc. from its contractual obligation to finish the application, in exchange for a partial refund.

  In this scenario, Tech Solutions Inc. is the releasee because it is being released from its duty to perform under the contract.

• Example 2: Legal Claim or Liability

  Consider a situation where a pedestrian, Sarah, slips and falls on a wet floor inside a grocery store, Fresh Foods Market. Sarah initially considers suing the store for negligence. However, after discussions, Fresh Foods Market offers Sarah a settlement payment for her medical bills, and in return, Sarah signs a document agreeing not to pursue any further legal action against the store regarding the incident.

  Here, Fresh Foods Market is the releasee because Sarah is releasing them from potential future legal claims related to her fall.

• Example 3: Property Interest

  Suppose two business partners, David and Emily, jointly own a commercial property. David decides to retire and wants to transfer his entire ownership interest in the property to Emily, so she becomes the sole owner. David executes a deed that formally "releases" his share of the property to Emily.

  In this context, Emily is the releasee because she is the one to whom David's interest in the estate (the commercial property) is being released.