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
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 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 Terms of Service
REGULATORY LANDSCAPE: Choice of law and forum selection clauses are standard in U.S.
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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.
ConductAtlas has identified this type of provision across 267 platforms. See the full comparison.
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