Legal Definitions - Seasonable

Seasonable refers to an action, event, or notice that occurs within an appropriate, reasonable, or agreed-upon timeframe. It emphasizes timeliness, meaning something is done at the proper moment, neither too early nor too late, as dictated by circumstances, industry standards, or a prior agreement.

• Example 1: Contract for Services

  Imagine a homeowner hires a landscaping company to plant new trees in their yard. The contract specifies that the trees must be planted "seasonably." This means the planting should occur at an optimal time for the trees' survival and growth, such as in the spring or fall, rather than in the scorching heat of summer or the freezing depths of winter. The timing is crucial for the success of the service and aligns with what is generally considered appropriate for tree planting.

• Example 2: Commercial Transaction

  A clothing retailer places an order with a manufacturer for a new line of winter coats. The purchase agreement states that the manufacturer must make "seasonable delivery" of the goods. This implies the coats must arrive at the retailer's warehouses well in advance of the winter selling season, allowing the retailer ample time to stock shelves and begin sales campaigns. Delivering the coats in late spring would not be seasonable, as the opportunity to sell them for their intended purpose would have passed.

• Example 3: Exercising an Option

  A small business has an option to purchase the commercial property it currently leases. The lease agreement stipulates that the business must give "seasonable notice" of its intent to exercise this option. This means the notice must be provided sufficiently in advance of the option's expiration date (e.g., 90 or 120 days prior) to allow both parties to prepare for the transaction, arrange financing, and complete the necessary legal paperwork. Giving notice only a few days before the option expires would likely not be considered seasonable, as it wouldn't allow adequate time for the complex process of a property sale.