Communication of Acceptance by Performance or Conduct: Solving the Riddle

Authors

Keywords:

Implied acceptance by conduct, Comunication of the acceptance, Moment of contract formation

Abstract

This essay endeavors to illuminate the intricacies surrounding an implied acceptance by conduct. It seeks to address whether such an acceptance must be communicated to the offeror and, if so, whether this communication transforms it into an express acceptance or whether it retains its original classification. The essay further explores the necessity of a time limit for communicating the occurrence of implied acceptances by conduct, the repercussions of failing to communicate within this period, and the precise date of contract formation in those cases where communication is needed. Regarding the latter issue, the essay specifically examines whether this date is when the acceptor initiates or completes his conduct or, instead, when the communication of the acceptance’s previous occurrence (is dispatched or) reaches the offeror’s sphere of control. The American Restatement of Contracts and various civil codes provide some puzzling rules on this matter. The essay places particular emphasis on how these issues are addressed through case law, legal history, and comparative law.

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Author Biography

Flavio Henrique Silva Ferreira, UFJF

Professor Associado, Doutor e Mestre em Direito Privado pela UFMG. Professor lotado no Departamento de Direito Privado da Faculdade de Direito da Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, atuando especialmente com os temas dos fundamentos econômicos do direito privado (contratos, responsabilidade civil, enriquecimento sem causa, propriedade), história do direito privado e direito privado comparado.

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Published

2025-09-23

How to Cite

FERREIRA, Flavio Henrique Silva. Communication of Acceptance by Performance or Conduct: Solving the Riddle. civilistica.com: revista eletrônica de direito civil, Rio de Janeiro, v. 14, n. 2, p. 1–37, 2025. Disponível em: https://civilistica.emnuvens.com.br/redc/article/view/1087. Acesso em: 26 sep. 2025.

Issue

Vol. 14 No. 2 (2025)

Section

Contemporary doctrine

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Copyright (c) 2025 Flavio Henrique Silva Ferreira

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