Two cannot possess or own one thing in entirety.

Explanation

(English-origin maxim.) Sole and exclusive possession cannot vest simultaneously in two separate persons — co-ownership is possible, but two claims of total dominion over the same thing are mutually exclusive.

Where this applies

• Two brothers each claim to be the sole and exclusive owner of the same horse — the law says they cannot both have total dominion, so one claim must fail.
• A husband and wife both claim sole ownership of a car titled only in one name — two people cannot each exclusively possess the same thing.
• Two companies each insist they alone own the patent, but absolute sole ownership cannot vest in both simultaneously.