If you have a dispute with Patreon, you must resolve it through private arbitration rather than a lawsuit in court, and you cannot join a class action lawsuit against Patreon.
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
This clause removes your ability to sue Patreon in open court or band together with other users in a class action, which can be the most practical avenue for consumers with smaller individual claims.
US-based creators and patrons who experience harm from Patreon's actions may only pursue individual arbitration claims, potentially limiting practical recourse for smaller dollar disputes where individual arbitration costs may exceed the claim value.
How other platforms handle this
You and Teachable agree to resolve any disputes through final and binding arbitration, except as set forth under Exceptions to Agreement to Arbitrate below. You also agree that disputes will only be resolved on an individual basis and not as a class, consolidated, or representative action.
Any dispute arising from or relating to the subject matter of these Terms shall be finally settled by arbitration in San Francisco County, California, in accordance with the Streamlined Arbitration Rules and Procedures of Judicial Arbitration and Mediation Services, Inc. ("JAMS") then in effect, by ...
THESE TERMS REQUIRE THE USE OF ARBITRATION (SECTION 12.2) ON AN INDIVIDUAL BASIS TO RESOLVE DISPUTES, RATHER THAN JURY TRIALS OR CLASS ACTIONS, AND ALSO LIMIT THE REMEDIES AVAILABLE TO YOU IN THE EVENT OF A DISPUTE.
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"You and Patreon agree to resolve any disputes through final and binding arbitration, except as set forth under Exceptions to Agreement to Arbitrate below. YOU ARE GIVING UP THE RIGHT TO LITIGATE (OR PARTICIPATE IN AS A PARTY OR CLASS MEMBER) ALL DISPUTES IN COURT BEFORE A JUDGE OR JURY.— Excerpt from Patreon's Patreon Terms of Use
REGULATORY LANDSCAPE: This provision implicates the Federal Arbitration Act (FAA), which generally favors enforcement of arbitration agreements, and the AAA Consumer Arbitration Rules referenced in the terms. It may also require evaluation under state consumer protection statutes in California (where arbitration clauses in consumer contracts face heightened scrutiny), New York, and other jurisdictions. The FTC has signaled regulatory interest in mandatory arbitration clauses in consumer contracts. The class action waiver element may face enforceability challenges in certain jurisdictions. GOVERNANCE EXPOSURE: High. The combination of mandatory individual arbitration and a class action waiver represents a significant restriction on consumer legal recourse. The provision applies to all US users and covers virtually all disputes arising from use of the platform, with limited exceptions for small claims court and intellectual property matters. JURISDICTION FLAGS: California residents may have additional protections under state law regarding arbitration in consumer contracts. EU/EEA/UK users are not subject to this provision, as their agreement is with Patreon Europe Limited and governed by Irish law with EU consumer protections intact. The provision is US-specific. CONTRACT AND VENDOR IMPLICATIONS: Platforms integrating Patreon via API or embedding Patreon functionality should assess whether this arbitration clause flows through to their own users under any integration agreements. The provision shifts dispute resolution costs and logistics to individual users, which may be a factor in B2B partnership risk assessments. COMPLIANCE CONSIDERATIONS: Legal teams should verify that the opt-out mechanism (email to legal@patreon.com within 30 days) is clearly disclosed at the point of account creation to satisfy notice requirements. The 30-day opt-out window should be tracked relative to user onboarding flows. Any changes to arbitration terms that affect existing users should be evaluated for re-consent requirements under applicable consumer contract law.
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This clause removes your ability to sue Patreon in open court or band together with other users in a class action, which can be the most practical avenue for consumers with smaller individual claims.
US-based creators and patrons who experience harm from Patreon's actions may only pursue individual arbitration claims, potentially limiting practical recourse for smaller dollar disputes where individual arbitration costs may exceed the claim value.
ConductAtlas has identified this type of provision across 132 platforms. See the full comparison.
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