Abstract: Linear, tertiary carboxyl functional polyester resins obtainable by reaction ofa) at least one compound A.sub.1, comprising the reaction product of(i) a glycidylester of a mixture of certain highly branched saturated monocarboxylic acids isomers, and(ii) a mixture of said highly branched saturated monocarboxylic acids;b) at least one aromatic or cycloaliphatic dicarboxylic acid compound B;c) optionally at least one dihydroxymonocarboxylic acid compound C; andd) optionally at least one diol compound D; in a certain molar ratio of compounds A.sub.1 :B:C:D, at a temperature of from 100.degree. to 225.degree. C., until essentially all the non-tertiary carboxyl groups as initially present in the reaction mixture have been reacted.