constructive notice

1. Knowledge which, according to law, a person is presumed (or duty bound) to acquire by making normal and reasonable enquiries. For example, the purchaser of a property (or one dealing with an incorporated or registered firm) is presumed to know the legal status of the property (or the firm) from documents available for public inspection.

2. Notice of a court action in newspapers that in law is considered to be a sufficient notice to the concerned party or parties. See also actual notice and implied notice.