Any legal dispute that does not go through arbitration must be handled in California courts under California law, regardless of where you live.
This analysis describes what Udemy'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
If you live outside California and need to bring a non-arbitrable claim against Udemy, this clause requires you to litigate in California courts, which may be impractical and costly for users located elsewhere.
Interpretive note: Enforceability of the California forum selection clause against EU and UK consumers is uncertain given applicable consumer protection regulations in those jurisdictions that may override contractual forum choices.
This establishes California law and San Francisco venue as exclusive forum, requiring international users to litigate in a distant jurisdiction.
View full change record →Non-California users who need to pursue court action against Udemy face the practical burden of litigating in San Francisco County, California, which could make legal claims prohibitively expensive or logistically difficult.
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 construed in accordance with the laws of the State of California, without regard to its conflict of law provisions. Any dispute not subject to arbitration shall be brought exclusively in the state or federal courts located in San Francisco County, California.Excerpt from Udemy's Terms of Use
(1) REGULATORY LANDSCAPE: Forum selection and choice of law clauses are generally enforceable in the US under federal and state contract law, subject to public policy exceptions.
Enforcement risk, jurisdiction flags, contract triggers, and due diligence action items.
Search "[your state] attorney general consumer complaint" to find your state's direct complaint form
Get the research letter
Companies change their terms quietly. We read every version and catch what actually changed. One email a week on the changes that matter and what they mean.
If you live outside California and need to bring a non-arbitrable claim against Udemy, this clause requires you to litigate in California courts, which may be impractical and costly for users located elsewhere.
Non-California users who need to pursue court action against Udemy face the practical burden of litigating in San Francisco County, California, which could make legal claims prohibitively expensive or logistically difficult.
ConductAtlas has identified this type of provision across 267 platforms. See the full comparison.
No. ConductAtlas is an independent monitoring service. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Udemy.