Glossary

Retention of title

Retention of title (RoT) keeps you the legal owner of goods until you are paid in full — a supplier's best defence if a customer goes insolvent holding your stock.

2 min read

Seller keeps ownershipUntil paid
Recover goodsInsolvency defence

Definition

A retention of title clause states that ownership of goods stays with the seller until payment is received in full, even after delivery. If the buyer becomes insolvent, the seller may reclaim unpaid, identifiable goods ahead of other creditors.

In plain terms

It is the "you can hold my stock but you do not own it until you pay" clause — one of the few real protections an unsecured supplier has.

Why it matters for your company

A well-drafted, incorporated RoT clause can move you ahead of the payment queue for your specific goods. Make sure it is in your terms and properly notified. See unsecured creditor.

Funding for UK limited companies

Credicorp lends to your company, not to you personally — short-term working capital with no personal guarantee. See what your business could access.