Chapter 134

134.77(1) (1) Definitions. In this section:

134.77(1)(a) (a) “Beverage” means any alcohol beverage, as defined in s. 125.02 (1), malt beverage, tea, bottled drinking water, as defined under s. 97.34 (1) (a), soda water beverage, as defined under s. 97.34 (1) (b), or fruit or vegetable juice or drink which is intended for human consumption.

134.77(1)(b) (b) “Beverage container” means an individual, separate, sealed plastic or metal container for a beverage.

134.77(2) (2) Self-opening metal beverage containers.

134.77(2)(a) (a) No person may sell or offer for sale at retail in this state any metal beverage container so designed and constructed that it is opened by detaching a metal ring or tab.

134.77(2)(b) (b) Paragraph (a) does not prohibit the sale of a beverage container which:

134.77(2)(b)1. 1. Is sealed with laminated tape, foil or other soft material that is detachable.

134.77(2)(b)2. 2. Contains milk-based, soy-based or similar products which require heat and pressure in the canning process.

134.77(3) (3) Plastic connectors. No person may sell or offer for sale at retail in this state any beverage container if the beverage container is connected to another beverage container by means of a device constructed of a material which does not decompose by photodegradation or biodegradation within a reasonable time after exposure to weather elements.

134.77(4) (4) Penalty. Any person who violates sub. (2) or (3) shall forfeit not more than $500 for each violation. Each day of violation constitutes a separate offense.

134.77 History History: 1987 a. 108.

134.80 134.80 Home heating fuel dealers. Any dealer selling fuel of any kind for the purpose of heating a private residence shall notify each private residential customer whose account is subject to disconnection of the existence of the fuel assistance programs provided by the department of administration under s. 16.27.

134.80 History History: 1977 c. 418; 1981 c. 20; 1995 a. 27 s. 9126 (19); 1995 a. 417; 2003 a. 33.

134.81 134.81 Water heater thermostat settings. No person who manufactures water heaters may sell any new water heater designed for use in a dwelling unit, as defined in s. 101.61 (1), unless that person does all of the following:

134.81(1) (1) Sets the thermostat of the water heater at no higher than 125 degrees Fahrenheit or at the minimum setting of that water heater if the minimum setting is higher than 125 degrees Fahrenheit.

134.81(2) (2) Attaches a plainly visible notice to the water heater warning that any thermostat setting above 125 degrees Fahrenheit may cause severe burns and consume energy unnecessarily.

134.81 History History: 1987 a. 102.

134.85 134.85 Automated teller machines; international charges.

134.85(1) (1) In this section:

134.85(1)(a) (a) “Automated teller machine” means any electronic information processing device located in this state that accepts or dispenses cash in connection with a credit, deposit, or other account. “Automated teller machine” does not include a device that is used solely to facilitate check guarantees or check authorizations, or that is used in connection with the acceptance or dispensing of cash on a person-to-person basis.

134.85(1)(b) (b) “Foreign account” means an account with a financial institution located outside the United States.

134.85(2) (2) An agreement to operate or share an automated teller machine may not prohibit an owner or operator of the automated teller machine from imposing on an individual who conducts a transaction using a foreign account an access fee or surcharge that is not otherwise prohibited under federal or state law.

134.85 History History: 2007 a. 48.

134.87 134.87 Repair, replacement and refund under new motorized wheelchair warranties.

134.87(1) (1) In this section:

134.87(1)(a) (a) “Collateral costs” means expenses incurred by a consumer in connection with the repair of a nonconformity, including the costs of obtaining an alternative wheelchair or other assistive device for mobility.

134.87(1)(b) (b) “Consumer” means any of the following:

134.87(1)(b)1. 1. The purchaser of a motorized wheelchair, if the motorized wheelchair was purchased from a motorized wheelchair dealer or manufacturer for purposes other than resale.

134.87(1)(b)2. 2. A person to whom the motorized wheelchair is transferred for purposes other than resale, if the transfer occurs before the expiration of an express warranty applicable to the motorized wheelchair.

134.87(1)(b)3. 3. A person who may enforce the warranty.

134.87(1)(b)4. 4. A person who leases a motorized wheelchair from a motorized wheelchair lessor under a written lease.

134.87(1)(c) (c) “Demonstrator” means a motorized wheelchair used primarily for the purpose of demonstration to the public.

134.87(1)(d) (d) “Early termination cost” means any expense or obligation that a motorized wheelchair lessor incurs as a result of both the termination of a written lease before the termination date set forth in that lease and the return of a motorized wheelchair to a manufacturer under sub. (3) (b) 3. “Early termination cost” includes a penalty for prepayment under a finance arrangement.

134.87(1)(e) (e) “Early termination savings” means any expense or obligation that a motorized wheelchair lessor avoids as a result of both the termination of a written lease before the termination date set forth in that lease and the return of a motorized wheelchair to a manufacturer under sub. (3) (b) 3. “Early termination savings” includes an interest charge that the motorized wheelchair lessor would have paid to finance the motorized wheelchair or, if the motorized wheelchair lessor does not finance the motorized wheelchair, the difference between the total amount for which the lease obligates the consumer during the period of the lease term remaining after the early termination and the present value of that amount at the date of the early termination.

134.87(1)(f) (f) “Manufacturer” means a person who manufactures or assembles motorized wheelchairs and agents of that person, including an importer, a distributor, factory branch, distributor branch and any warrantors of the manufacturer’s motorized wheelchairs, but does not include a motorized wheelchair dealer.

134.87(1)(g) (g) “Motorized wheelchair” means any motor-driven wheelchair, including a demonstrator, that a consumer purchases or accepts transfer of in this state.

134.87(1)(h) (h) “Motorized wheelchair dealer” means a person who is in the business of selling motorized wheelchairs.

134.87(1)(i) (i) “Motorized wheelchair lessor” means a person who leases a motorized wheelchair to a consumer, or who holds the lessor’s rights, under a written lease.

134.87(1)(j) (j) “Nonconformity” means a condition or defect that substantially impairs the use, value or safety of a motorized wheelchair, and that is covered by an express warranty applicable to the motorized wheelchair or to a component of the motorized wheelchair, but does not include a condition or defect that is the result of abuse, neglect or unauthorized modification or alteration of the motorized wheelchair by a consumer.

134.87(1)(k) (k) “Reasonable attempt to repair” means any of the following occurring within the term of an express warranty applicable to a new motorized wheelchair or within one year after first delivery of the motorized wheelchair to a consumer, whichever is sooner:

134.87(1)(k)1. 1. The same nonconformity with the warranty is subject to repair by the manufacturer, motorized wheelchair lessor or any of the manufacturer’s authorized motorized wheelchair dealers at least 4 times and the nonconformity continues.

134.87(1)(k)2. 2. The motorized wheelchair is out of service for an aggregate of at least 30 days because of warranty nonconformities.

134.87(2) (2) A manufacturer who sells a motorized wheelchair to a consumer, either directly or through a motorized wheelchair dealer, shall furnish the consumer with an express warranty for the motorized wheelchair. The duration of the express warranty shall be not less than one year after first delivery of the motorized wheelchair to the consumer. If a manufacturer fails to furnish an express warranty as required by this subsection, the motorized wheelchair shall be covered by an express warranty as if the manufacturer had furnished an express warranty to the consumer as required by this subsection.

134.87(3) (3) 

134.87(3)(a) (a) If a new motorized wheelchair does not conform to an applicable express warranty and the consumer reports the nonconformity to the manufacturer, the motorized wheelchair lessor or any of the manufacturer’s authorized motorized wheelchair dealers and makes the motorized wheelchair available for repair before one year after first delivery of the motorized wheelchair to a consumer, the nonconformity shall be repaired.

134.87(3)(b) (b)

134.87(3)(b)1. 1. If, after a reasonable attempt to repair, the nonconformity is not repaired, the manufacturer shall carry out the requirement under subd. 2. or 3., whichever is appropriate.

134.87(3)(b)2. 2. At the direction of a consumer described under sub. (1) (b) 1., 2. or 3., do one of the following:

134.87(3)(b)2.a. a. Accept return of the motorized wheelchair and replace the motorized wheelchair with a comparable new motorized wheelchair and refund any collateral costs.

134.87(3)(b)2.b. b. Accept return of the motorized wheelchair and refund to the consumer and to any holder of a perfected security interest in the consumer’s motorized wheelchair, as their interest may appear, the full purchase price plus any finance charge, amount paid by the consumer at the point of sale and collateral costs, less a reasonable allowance for use. Under this subd. 2. b., a reasonable allowance for use may not exceed the amount obtained by multiplying the full purchase price of the motorized wheelchair by a fraction, the denominator of which is 1,825 and the numerator of which is the number of days that the motorized wheelchair was driven before the consumer first reported the nonconformity to the motorized wheelchair dealer.

134.87(3)(b)3. 3.

134.87(3)(b)3.a. a. With respect to a consumer described in sub. (1) (b) 4., accept return of the motorized wheelchair, refund to the motorized wheelchair lessor and to any holder of a perfected security interest in the motorized wheelchair, as their interest may appear, the current value of the written lease and refund to the consumer the amount that the consumer paid under the written lease plus any collateral costs, less a reasonable allowance for use.

134.87(3)(b)3.b. b. Under this subdivision, the current value of the written lease equals the total amount for which that lease obligates the consumer during the period of the lease remaining after its early termination, plus the motorized wheelchair dealer’s early termination costs and the value of the motorized wheelchair at the lease expiration date if the lease sets forth that value, less the motorized wheelchair lessor’s early termination savings.

134.87(3)(b)3.c. c. Under this subdivision, a reasonable allowance for use may not exceed the amount obtained by multiplying the total amount for which the written lease obligates the consumer by a fraction, the denominator of which is 1,825 and the numerator of which is the number of days that the consumer drove the motorized wheelchair before first reporting the nonconformity to the manufacturer, motorized wheelchair lessor or motorized wheelchair dealer.

134.87(3)(c) (c) To receive a comparable new motorized wheelchair or a refund due under par. (b) 1. or 2., a consumer described under sub. (1) (b) 1., 2. or 3. shall offer to the manufacturer of the motorized wheelchair having the nonconformity to transfer possession of that motorized wheelchair to that manufacturer. No later than 30 days after that offer, the manufacturer shall provide the consumer with the comparable new motorized wheelchair or refund. When the manufacturer provides the new motorized wheelchair or refund, the consumer shall return the motorized wheelchair having the nonconformity to the manufacturer, along with any endorsements necessary to transfer real possession to the manufacturer.

134.87(3)(d) (d)

134.87(3)(d)1. 1. To receive a refund due under par. (b) 3., a consumer described under sub. (1) (b) 4. shall offer to return the motorized wheelchair having the nonconformity to its manufacturer. No later than 30 days after that offer, the manufacturer shall provide the refund to the consumer. When the manufacturer provides the refund, the consumer shall return to the manufacturer the motorized wheelchair having the nonconformity.

134.87(3)(d)2. 2. To receive a refund due under par. (b) 3., a motorized wheelchair lessor shall offer to transfer possession of the motorized wheelchair having the nonconformity to its manufacturer. No later than 30 days after that offer, the manufacturer shall provide the refund to the motorized wheelchair lessor. When the manufacturer provides the refund, the motorized wheelchair lessor shall provide to the manufacturer any endorsements necessary to transfer legal possession to the manufacturer.

134.87(3)(d)3. 3. No person may enforce the lease against the consumer after the consumer receives a refund due under par. (b) 3.

134.87(3)(e) (e) No motorized wheelchair returned by a consumer or motorized wheelchair lessor in this state under par. (b), or by a consumer or motorized wheelchair lessor in another state under a similar law of that state, may be sold or leased again in this state unless full disclosure of the reasons for return is made to any prospective buyer or lessee.

134.87(4) (4) This section does not limit rights or remedies available to a consumer under any other law.

134.87(5) (5) Any waiver by a consumer of rights under this section is void.

134.87(6) (6) In addition to pursuing any other remedy, a consumer may bring an action to recover for any damages caused by a violation of this section. The court shall award a consumer who prevails in such an action twice the amount of any pecuniary loss, together with costs, disbursements and reasonable attorney fees, and any equitable relief that the court determines is appropriate.

134.87 History History: 1991 a. 222.

134.90 134.90 Uniform trade secrets act.

134.90(1) (1) Definitions. In this section:

134.90(1)(a) (a) “Improper means” includes espionage, theft, bribery, misrepresentation and breach or inducement of a breach of duty to maintain secrecy.

134.90(1)(b) (b) “Readily ascertainable” information does not include information accessible through a license agreement or by an employee under a confidentiality agreement with his or her employer.

134.90(1)(c) (c) “Trade secret” means information, including a formula, pattern, compilation, program, device, method, technique or process to which all of the following apply:

134.90(1)(c)1. 1. The information derives independent economic value, actual or potential, from not being generally known to, and not being readily ascertainable by proper means by, other persons who can obtain economic value from its disclosure or use.

134.90(1)(c)2. 2. The information is the subject of efforts to maintain its secrecy that are reasonable under the circumstances.

134.90(2) (2) Misappropriation. No person, including the state, may misappropriate or threaten to misappropriate a trade secret by doing any of the following:

134.90(2)(a) (a) Acquiring the trade secret of another by means which the person knows or has reason to know constitute improper means.

134.90(2)(b) (b) Disclosing or using without express or implied consent a trade secret of another if the person did any of the following:

134.90(2)(b)1. 1. Used improper means to acquire knowledge of the trade secret.

134.90(2)(b)2. 2. At the time of disclosure or use, knew or had reason to know that he or she obtained knowledge of the trade secret through any of the following means:

134.90(2)(b)2.a. a. Deriving it from or through a person who utilized improper means to acquire it.

134.90(2)(b)2.b. b. Acquiring it under circumstances giving rise to a duty to maintain its secrecy or limit its use.

134.90(2)(b)2.c. c. Deriving it from or through a person who owed a duty to the person seeking relief to maintain its secrecy or limit its use.

134.90(2)(b)2.d. d. Acquiring it by accident or mistake.

134.90(3) (3) Injunctive relief.

134.90(3)(a) (a)

134.90(3)(a)1. 1. A court may grant an injunction against a person who violates sub. (2). Chapter 813 governs any temporary or interlocutory injunction or ex parte restraining order in an action under this section, except that no court may issue such an injunction or restraining order unless the complainant makes an application which includes a description of each alleged trade secret in sufficient detail to inform the party to be enjoined or restrained of the nature of the complaint against that party or, if the court so orders, includes written disclosure of the trade secret. The complainant shall serve this application upon the party to be enjoined or restrained at the time the motion for the injunction is made or the restraining order is served, whichever is earlier.

134.90(3)(a)2. 2. Except as provided in subd. 3., upon application to the court, the court shall terminate an injunction when a trade secret ceases to exist.

134.90(3)(a)3. 3. The court may continue an injunction for a reasonable period of time to eliminate commercial advantage which the person who violated sub. (2) otherwise would derive from the violation.

134.90(3)(b) (b) In exceptional circumstances, an injunction granted under par. (a) may condition future use of a trade secret by the person who violated sub. (2) upon payment of a reasonable royalty by that person to the owner of the trade secret for no longer than the period of time for which the court may enjoin or restrain the use of the trade secret under par. (a). Exceptional circumstances include a material and prejudicial change of position, prior to acquiring knowledge or reason to know of a violation of sub. (2), that renders an injunction inequitable.

134.90(3)(c) (c) In appropriate circumstances, the court may order affirmative acts to protect a trade secret.

134.90(4) (4) Damages.

134.90(4)(a) (a) Except to the extent that a material and prejudicial change of position prior to acquiring knowledge or reason to know of a violation of sub. (2) renders a monetary recovery inequitable, a court may award damages to the complainant for a violation of sub. (2). A court may award damages in addition to, or in lieu of, injunctive relief under sub. (3). Damages may include both the actual loss caused by the violation and unjust enrichment caused by the violation that is not taken into account in computing actual loss. Damages may be measured exclusively by the imposition of liability for a reasonable royalty for a violation of sub. (2) if the complainant cannot by any other method of measurement prove an amount of damages which exceeds the reasonable royalty.