Any legal disputes not handled through arbitration must be filed in California courts, which may be impractical and expensive for users who live in other states or countries.
This analysis describes what Patreon'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
The clause establishes the legal framework and venue requirements for dispute resolution, concentrating all non-arbitrated claims in a specific geographic jurisdiction and under a particular state's substantive law.
Interpretive note: Enforceability of out-of-state forum selection clauses in consumer contracts varies by jurisdiction and may be limited by state consumer protection statutes in some US states.
Non-California users who pursue claims outside arbitration face the added burden of litigating in California courts, creating a practical barrier to legal recourse that compounds the effect of the mandatory arbitration clause.
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These Terms shall be governed by the laws of the State of California, without regard to conflict of law principles. Any disputes not subject to arbitration shall be resolved exclusively in the state or federal courts located in San Francisco County, California, and you consent to the personal jurisd...
These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Michigan, without regard to its conflict of law provisions. To the extent that any lawsuit or court proceeding is permitted hereunder, you and StockX agree to submit to the personal and exclusive jurisdiction ...
This Agreement will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Province of Ontario and the federal laws of Canada applicable therein, without regard to conflict of law principles. Each party irrevocably submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Ontario, Canada for t...
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"These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of California without regard to conflict of law principles. For users contracting with Patreon, Inc., any disputes not subject to arbitration shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the state and federal courts located in San Francisco County, California.— Excerpt from Patreon's Patreon Terms of Use
REGULATORY LANDSCAPE: Forum selection clauses in consumer contracts may require evaluation under the FTC Act and applicable state consumer protection laws. Several states have public policies against enforcing out-of-state forum selection clauses in consumer contracts, particularly where they create unreasonable burdens. EU/EEA users are not subject to this clause as their agreement is governed by Irish law. GOVERNANCE EXPOSURE: Medium. Combined with the mandatory arbitration clause, this forum selection clause has limited practical impact for most disputes, since arbitration is the required first avenue. Its primary effect is on the narrow category of non-arbitrable claims such as small claims court matters and intellectual property disputes. California choice of law is standard for US companies headquartered there. JURISDICTION FLAGS: EU/EEA/UK users are governed by Irish law under their separate agreement with Patreon Europe Limited and retain rights under applicable EU consumer protection law, including the right to bring claims in their local courts in many circumstances. Non-California US users should note that the forum selection clause may be challenged in their home jurisdiction. CONTRACT AND VENDOR IMPLICATIONS: Businesses contracting with Patreon (such as agencies or enterprise accounts) should assess whether the California forum selection clause conflicts with their own dispute resolution or governing law provisions. This is particularly relevant for non-US entities. COMPLIANCE CONSIDERATIONS: For organizations advising non-California users on dispute options, the practical enforceability of the forum selection clause in the user's home state should be evaluated before recommending litigation as a recourse strategy.
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The clause establishes the legal framework and venue requirements for dispute resolution, concentrating all non-arbitrated claims in a specific geographic jurisdiction and under a particular state's substantive law.
Non-California users who pursue claims outside arbitration face the added burden of litigating in California courts, creating a practical barrier to legal recourse that compounds the effect of the mandatory arbitration clause.
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