“If a dispute does arise out of these Terms or in relation to your use of Patreon, then the dispute will be resolved in the federal or state courts located in San Francisco, California. Both parties...consent to the exclusive jurisdiction and venue of the San Francisco courts”
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
An exclusive forum clause requires users to litigate in San Francisco regardless of where they are located, which can be a practical barrier to pursuing claims.
Interpretive note: The excerpt begins with 'the dispute will be resolved', suggesting there may be prior conditions or context (such as a failed arbitration or mediation step) that determine when this court jurisdiction applies. That context is not visible in the excerpt and is not reflected in the canonical claim.
If you have a dispute with Patreon, you are required to resolve it in San Francisco, California courts and cannot bring it in courts closer to where you live.
How other platforms handle this
Except as provided in the dispute resolution section above, all claims arising out of or relating to these Terms will be brought exclusively in the federal or state courts of San Francisco, California.
Subject to Section 10.6 , any legal action or proceeding arising under this Agreement will be brought exclusively in the federal or state courts located in San Francisco, California, and the Parties irrevocably consent to the personal jurisdiction and venue therein.
Any disputes or claims not subject to arbitration, as set forth in this section, will be resolved exclusively in the federal or state courts of New York, New York, and you and we consent to personal jurisdiction in those courts.
"If a dispute does arise out of these Terms or in relation to your use of Patreon, then the dispute will be resolved in the federal or state courts located in San Francisco, California. Both parties...consent to the exclusive jurisdiction and venue of the San Francisco courtsExcerpt from Patreon's Terms of Use
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An exclusive forum clause requires users to litigate in San Francisco regardless of where they are located, which can be a practical barrier to pursuing claims.
If you have a dispute with Patreon, you are required to resolve it in San Francisco, California courts and cannot bring it in courts closer to where you live.
ConductAtlas has identified this type of provision across 264 platforms. See the full comparison.
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