All legal disputes with Duolingo are governed by Pennsylvania law and must be brought in Pennsylvania courts, regardless of where you live.
This analysis describes what Duolingo'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
For non-Pennsylvania users, this means any court proceeding (outside of arbitration) would require litigating in Pennsylvania, which is a practical barrier for most users and is not enforceable against consumers in all jurisdictions.
Interpretive note: Forum selection and choice of law clauses are generally unenforceable against EU and UK consumers under applicable consumer protection law; California and other states may also apply their own mandatory statutes regardless of this clause.
If you pursue a legal claim against Duolingo outside of arbitration, you would generally need to do so in Pennsylvania courts under Pennsylvania law, which may be impractical or unenforceable depending on your location.
How other platforms handle this
These Terms shall be governed by the laws of the State of California, excluding its conflicts of law rules, and the federal laws of the United States. Any dispute arising from or relating to the subject matter of these Terms shall be finally settled by arbitration in San Francisco County, California...
These Terms of Service and any dispute or claim arising out of or in connection with them or their subject matter or formation (including non-contractual disputes or claims) shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without giving effect to any choice o...
These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Minnesota, without giving effect to any choice of law or conflict of law provisions. Any disputes not subject to arbitration will be resolved in the state or federal courts located in Hennepin County, Minnesota.
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"These Terms are governed by and will be construed in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, without regard to its conflict of law provisions. Any legal action or proceeding arising under these Terms will be brought exclusively in the federal or state courts located in Pennsylvania, and the parties hereby irrevocably consent to personal jurisdiction and venue there.— Excerpt from Duolingo's Duolingo Terms of Service
REGULATORY LANDSCAPE: Choice of law and forum selection clauses are standard in U.S. technology company terms. Pennsylvania law governs; however, mandatory consumer protection statutes in the user's home jurisdiction (including GDPR for EU users, CCPA for California residents, and equivalent state laws) may apply regardless of the contractual choice of law. EU courts generally will not enforce forum selection clauses that require EU consumers to litigate abroad. GOVERNANCE EXPOSURE: Low for U.S. users in most cases, as Pennsylvania courts are a reasonable forum for a company headquartered in Pittsburgh. Medium for international users, as the clause is likely unenforceable as applied to EU and UK consumers who retain rights to litigate in their home jurisdiction. JURISDICTION FLAGS: EU and UK consumers cannot be compelled by contract to litigate exclusively in foreign courts under applicable consumer protection law. California's consumer protection statutes may apply regardless of choice of law provisions. CONTRACT AND VENDOR IMPLICATIONS: For institutional clients outside Pennsylvania, the forum selection clause may be a negotiating point for enterprise agreements, particularly where multi-jurisdictional data processing obligations are involved. COMPLIANCE CONSIDERATIONS: Legal teams should confirm that the governing law clause does not inadvertently disclaim applicable mandatory consumer protection statutes in key markets, and that differentiated terms or addenda address EU, UK, and California law where required.
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For non-Pennsylvania users, this means any court proceeding (outside of arbitration) would require litigating in Pennsylvania, which is a practical barrier for most users and is not enforceable against consumers in all jurisdictions.
If you pursue a legal claim against Duolingo outside of arbitration, you would generally need to do so in Pennsylvania courts under Pennsylvania law, which may be impractical or unenforceable depending on your location.
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