Disputes with Descript are governed by California law and, for any claims that go to court, must be filed in courts in San Francisco, California.
This analysis describes what Descript's agreement states, permits, or reserves. It does not constitute a legal determination about enforceability. Regulatory applicability and practical outcomes may vary by jurisdiction, enforcement context, and individual circumstances. Read our methodology
If you live outside California, you would need to litigate in San Francisco, which creates a practical barrier for non-California users seeking court-based remedies.
Interpretive note: EU and UK consumers may not be bound by California choice of law and forum selection clauses under applicable consumer protection directives, and enforcement in those jurisdictions depends on local court analysis.
Non-California users who have a legal dispute with Descript that proceeds to court must litigate in San Francisco, which may be geographically and financially impractical for users who live elsewhere.
How other platforms handle this
In the EU and EEA, the choice of Texas governing law shall not apply only where a mandatory consumer protection law explicitly prohibits such choice of law provisions.
For any claims that are not subject to arbitration...U.S. Residents: Delaware law; venue exclusively in the state or federal courts in New Castle County, Delaware
These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of California and the United States without regard to conflicts of laws provisions
"These Terms shall be governed by the laws of the State of California, without respect to its conflict of laws principles. Any dispute that is not subject to arbitration shall be resolved in the state or federal courts located in San Francisco County, California, and you consent to the personal jurisdiction of such courts.Excerpt from Descript's Terms of Service
REGULATORY LANDSCAPE: Choice of law and forum selection clauses in consumer contracts are subject to challenge under applicable consumer protection laws.
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If you live outside California, you would need to litigate in San Francisco, which creates a practical barrier for non-California users seeking court-based remedies.
Non-California users who have a legal dispute with Descript that proceeds to court must litigate in San Francisco, which may be geographically and financially impractical for users who live elsewhere.
ConductAtlas has identified this type of provision across 266 platforms. See the full comparison.
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