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Jurisdiction clause: Copy, customize, and use instantly

Introduction

A jurisdiction clause specifies which state or country’s courts will handle disputes arising under the contract. It promotes clarity and reduces conflicts by ensuring both parties agree on the legal forum for resolving disputes. This clause is crucial in contracts involving parties from different regions or countries.

Below are templates for jurisdiction clauses tailored to different scenarios. Copy, customize, and insert them into your agreement.

Exclusive jurisdiction clause

This version grants exclusive authority to one jurisdiction for resolving disputes.

The parties agree that any legal action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement shall be brought exclusively in the courts of [State], and each party irrevocably submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of such courts.

Non-exclusive jurisdiction clause

This version allows disputes to be heard in multiple jurisdictions.

The parties agree that any legal action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement may be brought in the courts of [State] or any other competent jurisdiction, and each party submits to the jurisdiction of such courts.

Arbitration-preferred jurisdiction clause

This version prioritizes arbitration but designates a court for related proceedings.

Any dispute arising under this Agreement shall be resolved by arbitration in [City, State]. However, either party may seek injunctive or provisional relief in the courts of [State], which shall have exclusive jurisdiction for such matters.

Jurisdiction clause with governing law

This version combines jurisdiction and governing law provisions.

This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of [State], and any disputes arising out of this Agreement shall be resolved exclusively in the courts of [State].

International jurisdiction clause

This version is suitable for cross-border agreements.

The parties agree that any disputes arising out of or relating to this Agreement shall be resolved exclusively in the courts of [State], United States. The parties waive any objection to jurisdiction based on inconvenient forum or any other grounds.

This version requires mutual agreement on jurisdiction for each dispute.

The parties agree that any dispute arising under this Agreement shall be resolved in a mutually agreed forum. If the parties cannot agree within [X] days, the dispute shall be resolved in the courts of [State].

Jurisdiction clause with venue specification

This version defines both jurisdiction and venue.

The parties agree that any disputes arising under this Agreement shall be resolved exclusively in the courts of [State], with venue in [County], [State]. The parties consent to personal jurisdiction in such courts.

Split jurisdiction clause

This version allows different jurisdictions for different types of disputes.

The parties agree that:Disputes concerning payment obligations shall be resolved in the courts of [State].Disputes concerning intellectual property rights shall be resolved in the courts of [State 2].

This version includes consent to service of process rules.

The parties consent to service of process by mail or any other method permitted under the laws of [State]. Any disputes arising under this Agreement shall be resolved exclusively in the courts of [State].

No waiver of objections jurisdiction clause

This version preserves the right to object to certain jurisdictions.

Submission to the jurisdiction of [State] under this Agreement does not waive any party’s right to object to the jurisdiction of any other court for unrelated matters.

Mutual waiver of jurisdiction objections clause

This version ensures both parties waive objections to the chosen jurisdiction.

The parties irrevocably waive any objection, including objections to personal jurisdiction, inconvenient forum, or venue, to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of [State] for any dispute arising from this Agreement.

Jurisdiction clause with forum selection waiver

This version waives challenges to the selected forum.

The parties agree that all disputes arising from this Agreement shall be resolved exclusively in the courts of [State]. Each party waives any defense of inconvenient forum or improper venue.

Provisional relief jurisdiction clause

This version allows specific courts to grant provisional remedies.

Any party seeking provisional relief, such as an injunction or restraining order, may bring such action in the courts of [State], which shall have exclusive jurisdiction for such remedies.

Jurisdiction clause for interim measures

This version permits seeking interim relief in a designated court.

Notwithstanding the arbitration provisions of this Agreement, either party may seek interim or emergency relief from the courts of [State], which shall have exclusive jurisdiction for such proceedings.

Jurisdiction clause with dispute resolution hierarchy

This version specifies multiple dispute resolution stages.

Disputes arising from this Agreement shall be resolved as follows:Mediation in [City, State].If unresolved, arbitration in [City, State].If necessary, litigation in the courts of [State], which shall have exclusive jurisdiction.

Hybrid jurisdiction clause

This version combines mediation, arbitration, and court litigation.

The parties agree to resolve disputes through mediation in [City, State]. If unresolved, disputes shall proceed to arbitration. Litigation for enforcing awards or seeking injunctive relief shall be exclusively in the courts of [State].

Multiple forum jurisdiction clause

This version allows disputes to be filed in multiple jurisdictions.

The parties consent to the jurisdiction of the courts of [State] and [Alternative State] for resolving disputes. Either party may choose the forum, and the decision shall be binding.

This version permits electronic service of process.

The parties agree that service of process in any dispute under this Agreement may be made electronically to the email addresses designated in this Agreement, and the courts of [State] shall have exclusive jurisdiction.

Floating jurisdiction clause

This version allows jurisdiction to change based on party location.

Jurisdiction for disputes shall be in the courts of the party not initiating the dispute, provided such courts are located within the United States. Otherwise, the courts of [Default State] shall have jurisdiction.

Jurisdiction clause with cost allocation

This version sets rules for cost-sharing in jurisdiction disputes.

The parties agree to submit disputes to the courts of [State]. The prevailing party in any challenge to jurisdiction shall be entitled to recover attorneys’ fees and costs from the non-prevailing party.

Jurisdiction clause with class action waiver

This version prohibits class actions within the chosen jurisdiction.

All disputes under this Agreement shall be brought exclusively in the courts of [State] and resolved on an individual basis. The parties waive any right to participate in class or collective actions.

Emergency relief jurisdiction clause

This version designates a court for urgent matters.

The parties agree that the courts of [State] shall have exclusive jurisdiction over actions for emergency relief, including temporary restraining orders and preliminary injunctions.

Split domestic and international jurisdiction clause

This version distinguishes between local and international disputes.

Domestic disputes shall be resolved in the courts of [State]. International disputes shall be resolved in the federal courts of [District], United States.

This version clarifies that participation does not imply consent to other jurisdictions.

Participation in proceedings outside [State] does not constitute consent to jurisdiction or venue for future disputes. The courts of [State] retain exclusive jurisdiction.

Jurisdiction clause for enforcement of awards

This version designates a court for enforcing arbitral awards.

All arbitration awards rendered under this Agreement shall be enforceable exclusively in the courts of [State]. The parties waive objections to such enforcement jurisdiction.

Reciprocal jurisdiction clause

This version grants both parties equal rights in jurisdiction selection.

Either party may initiate litigation in the courts of [State]. If the other party initiates, the same courts shall have exclusive jurisdiction to ensure reciprocity and fairness.

This version ensures both parties consent to the court’s authority.

The parties consent to the personal jurisdiction of the courts of [State] for any disputes arising from this Agreement and waive any objections to jurisdiction or venue.

Bilateral jurisdiction clause

This version allows each party to choose jurisdiction under specific conditions.

If [Provider's Name] initiates litigation, it shall be in the courts of [State]. If [Client's Name] initiates, it shall be in the courts of [Alternative State].

Jurisdiction clause with expedited proceedings

This version requires disputes to be resolved quickly.

The parties agree that the courts of [State] shall have exclusive jurisdiction and that all proceedings will be conducted on an expedited basis, with a trial date set within [X] days of filing.

Jurisdiction clause with choice of language

This version specifies the language for proceedings.

All disputes under this Agreement shall be resolved exclusively in the courts of [State] and conducted in the English language.

Jurisdiction clause with non-compete enforcement

This version designates a court for enforcing non-compete clauses.

The parties agree that the courts of [State] shall have exclusive jurisdiction over disputes arising from non-compete or non-solicitation obligations under this Agreement.

Jurisdiction clause with statutory carve-out

This version excludes certain statutory claims from the clause.

This jurisdiction clause applies to all disputes except claims arising under [specific statute], which shall be resolved in the courts designated by the statute.

Jurisdiction clause for breach of confidentiality

This version assigns jurisdiction for confidentiality breaches.

Disputes arising from breaches of confidentiality under this Agreement shall be resolved exclusively in the courts of [State].

Jurisdiction clause for intellectual property disputes

This version designates jurisdiction for IP disputes.

The parties agree that disputes involving intellectual property rights shall be resolved exclusively in the federal or state courts located in [State].

This version combines jurisdiction with a waiver of jury trial.

The parties agree that disputes shall be resolved exclusively in the courts of [State] and waive their right to a jury trial for such disputes.

Jurisdiction clause with prevailing party fee recovery

This version awards attorneys’ fees to the prevailing party.

In any dispute resolved in the courts of [State], the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover its reasonable attorneys' fees and costs from the non-prevailing party.

Jurisdiction clause with injunctive relief carve-out

This version allows a party to seek injunctive relief separately.

Notwithstanding the dispute resolution provisions herein, either party may seek injunctive relief in the courts of [State], which shall have exclusive jurisdiction over such proceedings.

Jurisdiction clause with forum shopping prohibition

This version prevents forum shopping.

The parties agree that disputes shall be resolved exclusively in the courts of [State]. Attempts to seek a more favorable forum in another jurisdiction shall constitute a material breach of this Agreement.

Jurisdiction clause for technology disputes

This version designates a forum for technology-related disputes.

Disputes arising from technology services, licensing, or software development under this Agreement shall be resolved exclusively in the courts of [State].

Jurisdiction clause for cross-border transactions

This version governs international business disputes.

For disputes arising from cross-border transactions, the courts of [State], United States, shall have exclusive jurisdiction, and the United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods (CISG) shall not apply.

Jurisdiction clause with statute of limitations waiver

This version sets a specific time limit for filing claims.

The parties agree that any legal action under this Agreement must be filed within [X] years of the event giving rise to the claim, and the courts of [State] shall have exclusive jurisdiction.

Jurisdiction clause for non-disclosure agreements (NDAs)

This version applies to disputes involving confidentiality.

Any disputes arising from the violation of confidentiality provisions under this Agreement shall be resolved exclusively in the courts of [State], with venue in [City], [State].

Jurisdiction clause for licensing agreements

This version governs disputes related to intellectual property licensing.

Disputes arising under this Agreement regarding the use, distribution, or licensing of intellectual property shall be resolved exclusively in the courts of [State], and the parties consent to the jurisdiction of such courts.

Jurisdiction clause for employment agreements

This version applies to employment-related disputes.

Any disputes arising under this Agreement, including those related to termination, compensation, or discrimination, shall be resolved exclusively in the courts of [State], and both parties submit to the jurisdiction of such courts.

Jurisdiction clause for franchisee and franchisor agreements

This version specifies the jurisdiction for franchise-related disputes.

Disputes arising from the franchisor-franchisee relationship under this Agreement, including territorial rights, fees, and performance standards, shall be resolved exclusively in the courts of [State].

Jurisdiction clause for merger and acquisition agreements

This version designates jurisdiction for M&A-related disputes.

Any disputes arising under this Agreement, including those concerning the merger or acquisition process, shall be resolved exclusively in the courts of [State], which shall have exclusive jurisdiction over all matters.

Jurisdiction clause for supply chain agreements

This version applies to disputes between suppliers and clients.

Disputes arising from the performance or breach of this Agreement, including those involving the delivery of goods or services, shall be resolved exclusively in the courts of [State], with venue in [City], [State].

Jurisdiction clause with emergency jurisdiction provision

This version allows a court to take jurisdiction for urgent matters.

In the event of an emergency requiring immediate injunctive relief, either party may bring a claim before the courts of [State], which shall have exclusive jurisdiction to grant such relief, without prejudice to the later resolution of the dispute.

Jurisdiction clause with alternative dispute resolution (ADR) step

This version incorporates ADR as a step before litigation.

In the event of a dispute under this Agreement, the parties agree to attempt mediation or arbitration before bringing any claims in the courts of [State]. If the dispute remains unresolved, jurisdiction shall lie exclusively with the courts of [State].

Jurisdiction clause for international contracts with governing law

This version applies to international agreements with specified jurisdiction and governing law.

This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of [State], and any dispute arising hereunder shall be resolved exclusively in the courts of [State], with no reference to foreign jurisdiction or laws.

Jurisdiction clause with service abroad exception

This version specifies jurisdiction for cases involving international service of process.

The parties agree that any dispute arising under this Agreement may be resolved in the courts of [State], even if one of the parties is located outside the jurisdiction, and the service of process may occur internationally through the appropriate channels.

Jurisdiction clause for governmental disputes

This version applies to disputes involving government entities.

Any dispute arising from this Agreement in which a government entity is a party shall be resolved exclusively in the courts of [State], where the government agency is headquartered or based.

Jurisdiction clause for real estate agreements

This version applies to real estate-related disputes.

All disputes arising under this Agreement, including those concerning property rights, leases, or construction issues, shall be resolved exclusively in the courts of [State], with venue in [City], [State].

Jurisdiction clause with equitable remedies exception

This version allows for certain remedies outside the chosen jurisdiction.

Notwithstanding the jurisdiction provisions of this Agreement, either party may seek equitable relief, including injunctive relief, in any court of competent jurisdiction without limiting the other dispute resolution processes specified in this clause.

Jurisdiction clause for joint venture agreements

This version governs disputes between joint venture partners.

Disputes arising from the terms and performance of this joint venture Agreement shall be resolved exclusively in the courts of [State], with venue in [City], [State].

Jurisdiction clause for joint liability agreements

This version applies to agreements with shared liabilities.

Disputes involving joint liability arising from this Agreement shall be resolved exclusively in the courts of [State], which shall have exclusive jurisdiction over matters relating to the enforcement of joint obligations.

Jurisdiction clause for disputes involving public policy

This version specifies jurisdiction for public policy-related disputes.

Any dispute under this Agreement that involves public policy issues shall be resolved exclusively in the courts of [State], which shall have the sole jurisdiction over such matters.

Jurisdiction clause for consumer protection agreements

This version applies to agreements involving consumer protection.

Disputes arising from consumer protection issues under this Agreement, including those concerning unfair business practices, shall be resolved exclusively in the courts of [State], with jurisdiction limited to matters pertaining to consumer rights.

Jurisdiction clause for data protection agreements

This version applies to disputes related to data protection.

Disputes arising from this Agreement, specifically those concerning data protection and privacy regulations, shall be resolved exclusively in the courts of [State], where data processing or transfer occurs.

Jurisdiction clause with appeal rights

This version allows appeals from the chosen court.

The parties agree that any disputes under this Agreement shall be resolved exclusively in the courts of [State], and any appeal from decisions of those courts shall be handled within the same jurisdiction.

Jurisdiction clause for online services agreements

This version applies to agreements involving online services.

Disputes arising from the provision of online services under this Agreement shall be resolved exclusively in the courts of [State], even if the services are accessed or used internationally.

Jurisdiction clause with forum non conveniens waiver

This version ensures the selected forum will be followed.

The parties waive any objections based on forum non conveniens and agree to resolve disputes exclusively in the courts of [State], regardless of where the parties or events are located.

Jurisdiction clause for contractual enforcement of third-party rights

This version applies to enforcement of third-party rights.

Disputes involving third-party beneficiaries under this Agreement shall be resolved exclusively in the courts of [State], which shall have jurisdiction over the enforcement of rights under this Agreement.

Jurisdiction clause for non-compete agreements

This version applies to disputes related to non-compete clauses.

Any dispute arising from the enforcement of the non-compete provisions of this Agreement shall be resolved exclusively in the courts of [State], with venue in [City], [State].

Jurisdiction clause for cross-border contract enforcement

This version addresses cross-border contract enforcement.

Disputes arising under this Agreement and requiring cross-border enforcement shall be resolved exclusively in the courts of [State], and enforcement shall proceed under the jurisdiction of those courts.

Jurisdiction clause for subscription agreements

This version applies to subscription-based services agreements.

Disputes arising from the subscription services provided under this Agreement shall be resolved exclusively in the courts of [State], and all subscription-related claims must be brought in [City], [State].

This version applies to construction contracts and related disputes.

Disputes arising from construction activities under this Agreement, including delays and performance issues, shall be resolved exclusively in the courts of [State], with venue in [City], [State].

Jurisdiction clause with venue for financial transactions

This version applies to disputes involving financial transactions.

Disputes involving financial transactions under this Agreement shall be resolved exclusively in the courts of [State], and all proceedings shall take place in [City], [State].

Jurisdiction clause for commercial leasing agreements

This version applies to disputes related to commercial leases.

Any dispute arising from this commercial lease Agreement, including those involving rent, occupancy, or lease term, shall be resolved exclusively in the courts of [State].

This version applies to tax-related disputes under a contract.

Disputes related to the interpretation or payment of taxes under this Agreement shall be resolved exclusively in the courts of [State], and no other forum shall have jurisdiction.

Jurisdiction clause with waiver of sovereign immunity

This version includes a waiver of sovereign immunity for disputes.

The parties agree that [State]’s sovereign immunity is waived to the extent necessary to resolve disputes arising from this Agreement exclusively in the courts of [State].

Jurisdiction clause for performance guarantee enforcement

This version governs disputes involving performance guarantees.

Disputes arising from the enforcement of any performance guarantee under this Agreement shall be resolved exclusively in the courts of [State], and the parties consent to the jurisdiction of those courts for such matters.

Jurisdiction clause for international shipping contracts

This version applies to disputes in shipping agreements.

Disputes arising from international shipping, including those related to delays, damages, or lost goods, shall be resolved exclusively in the courts of [State], with enforcement of judgments to occur in [State].

Jurisdiction clause for real-time communications contracts

This version applies to contracts involving communications technology.

Disputes arising from services related to real-time communications under this Agreement shall be resolved exclusively in the courts of [State].

This article contains general legal information and does not contain legal advice. Cobrief is not a law firm or a substitute for an attorney or law firm. The law is complex and changes often. For legal advice, please ask a lawyer.

Last updated 14 Feb 2025