What defines a "disclosed agency"?

A "disclosed agency" occurs when the third party entering into a contract or transaction with the agent is fully aware of both the agent's role and the identity of the principal. This means that the agent is acting on behalf of a specific person or organizational entity whose identity is known to the third party. This clarity is important because it defines the liability of each party involved; the principal can be held liable for the agent's actions if those actions fall within the scope of authority granted to the agent.

The knowledge of the principal's identity allows the third party to make informed decisions based on the reputation and reliability of the principal, which can impact the overall trust and business relationship. In a disclosed agency scenario, if something goes wrong during the transaction, the third party usually knows who they can seek redress from, as the principal's identity is clear.

In contrast, situations where the third party is unaware of the agent's existence or is unaware of who the principal is would fall into different categories of agency relationships, such as undisclosed or partially disclosed agencies. The agent working independently does not relate to disclosure since independent agents may be hired under various terms, and the existence of an agency requires some level of disclosure. Additionally, the presence or absence of formal