Product liability law is the name placed on a combination of several branches of the law, including contract, tort, government regulation, damages, and insurance. It is based on the theory that consumers rely on producers and sellers to ensure products are safe for use. This leads to a wide range of claims, issues and parties. The defendants could be any party in the distribution chain, including the manufacturer, distributor, importer, or retailer. While some available defences to product liability claims are common to all potential defendants, certain defences are unique to manufacturers. Manufacturers should be aware of the many possible defences to product liability claims.