Blank Endorsement

Summary of Blank Endorsement

An endorsement on a bill of lading, check, draft, or other negotiable instrument that does not specify to whom the instrument is endorsed. An instrument beomes bearer paper as the result of a blank endorsement, and may be negotiated thereafter by delivery alone.

(Main Author: William J. Miller)

Blank Endorsement in International Trade

Meaning of Blank Endorsement, according to the Dictionary of International Trade (Global Negotiator): The signature or endorsement of a person or firm on any negotiable instrument (such as a check, draft or bill of lading), usually on the reverse of the document, without designating another person to whom the endorsement is made. The document therefore becomes bearer paper. In shipping, for example, the holder of a blank endorsed bill of lading can take possession of the merchandise. See bearer document; endorsement.