undisclosed agency

In law, agency refers to a relationship where one person (the agent) is authorized to act on behalf of another (the principal). While continental European law typically requires agents to act openly in the principal's name, common law, particularly in England and North America, allows for "undisclosed agency".12

In undisclosed agency, the agent contracts in their own name without revealing the principal. Under common law, the undisclosed principal can still sue or be sued by the third party, provided the agent had the authority to make the contract. This concept is crucial in commercial transactions, allowing principals to remain hidden while still engaging in business. Merriam-Webster defines "undisclosed" as not made known or identified.213