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HomeCivil CodeDiv. 2Pt. 4Ch. 2§ 1026 Accessory Ownership Rights

§ 1026 Accessory Ownership Rights

Civil Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 1026 Accessory Ownership Rights

This law says that when someone attaches something to another item, it usually becomes part of the main item, but if the attached item is more valuable and was added without the owner's knowledge, the original owner can demand it be taken off and returned, even if removing it damages the main item.

Key Takeaways

  • •Attaching something usually makes it part of the main object.
  • •If the attached item is more valuable and was added without the owner's knowledge, the original owner can demand it back.
  • •The original owner can request the item be returned even if removing it causes damage.

Example

A person glues a shiny gold button onto a cheap plastic phone case without the case owner's permission.

Because the gold button is more valuable and was attached secretly, the owner of the button can ask for it to be removed and given back, even if taking it off cracks the phone case.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 1026 Accessory Ownership Rights

That part is to be deemed the principal to which the other has been united only for the use, ornament, or completion of the former, unless the latter is the more valuable, and has been united without the knowledge of its owner, who may, in the latter case, require it to be separated and returned to him, although some injury should result to the thing to which it has been united. (Enacted 1872.)

Last verified: January 9, 2026

Key Terms

principalunitedmore valuablewithout the knowledge of its ownerseparated and returned

Related Statutes

  • § 1027 Principal Part Determination
  • § 2369 Factor'S Property Authority
  • § 1025 Ownership Of Combined Property
  • § 1028 Material Ownership Rights
  • § 1029 Joint Ownership Of Materials

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Civil Code. Section 1026.
View Official Source