Drafting an international creator contract requires careful consideration of governing law. The governing law clause determines which country’s legal system resolves disputes. Neglecting this key provision risks uncertainty and costly litigation. In this article, you’ll learn how to write a governing law clause in an international creator contract—and why every cross-border partnership needs one.
Understanding the Governing Law Clause in International Agreements
The governing law clause, sometimes called a choice of law clause, specifies which jurisdiction’s laws will apply if a disagreement or dispute arises under the contract. In international creator agreements—such as those for artists, designers, writers, and other content producers—parties frequently come from different countries with distinct legal frameworks for copyright, IP ownership, and contract enforcement.
Without a clear governing law clause, courts may apply their own conflict-of-law rules, resulting in unpredictability. This uncertainty can disadvantage one or both parties, potentially undermining the collaboration. Proactively setting the governing law ensures both sides understand the rules governing their relationship and rights, which fosters trust and efficient dispute resolution.
Choosing the Right Jurisdiction for Your Creator Contract
Selecting the governing law is a strategic decision. Factors influencing the choice include:
- Residence or place of business: Is one party’s country preferable, or should you select a neutral venue?
- Legal predictability and IP protection: Does the jurisdiction have robust copyright and contract laws?
- Enforceability: Will courts in both countries recognize and enforce the contract under this law?
- Language and cost: Will litigating in that country be realistic in terms of language barriers or legal fees?
Popular choices for governing law in international creator contracts include New York, England & Wales, and Singapore, given their clear legal systems and IP protections. However, mutual agreement between the parties is key. Always ensure both parties understand the local implications of the jurisdiction chosen.
Drafting a Clear and Effective Governing Law Clause
For an enforceable and unambiguous governing law provision, clarity and precision are crucial. An effective clause usually includes:
- The selected jurisdiction: Specify the country or legal system, e.g., “This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of England and Wales.”
- Exclusions or carve-outs: If certain elements fall under different legal rules (such as moral rights or employment law), outline these specifics.
- Simplicity and direct language: Avoid legalese; use concise, straightforward wording to reduce misinterpretation.
Sample language: “This agreement and any dispute or claim arising out of or in connection with it shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of [Country].”
Double-check for local requirements—some countries restrict parties from excluding their own law in certain cases. Consulting a legal expert in the relevant jurisdictions is always advisable.
Interaction with Jurisdiction and Dispute Resolution Clauses
The governing law clause often works in tandem with jurisdiction and dispute resolution clauses.
- Jurisdiction clause: Specifies which court or arbitral body will hear disputes.
- Dispute resolution clause: Determines mechanism (litigation, arbitration, mediation, etc.) for managing disagreements.
For example, an international creator contract may state: “This agreement is governed by the laws of the Netherlands. The courts of Amsterdam shall have exclusive jurisdiction.” Alternatively, parties may opt for arbitration under the rules of an international body, such as the ICC or WIPO, and specify which country’s law will apply.
Aligning the governing law clause with jurisdiction and dispute resolution clauses minimizes confusion and legal complexity. Inconsistent or poorly drafted clauses can lead to forum shopping, conflict of laws, or unenforceable terms—all of which threaten the creator’s rights and project outcomes.
Best Practices for Writing a Governing Law Clause in 2025
As the global creator economy grows, staying updated on best practices for international contracts is increasingly important. Drawing from recent legal guidance and digital contract trends in 2025, consider the following key tips:
- Seek informed consent: Both parties should acknowledge understanding the implications of the chosen law.
- Document negotiations: Keep records of discussions about governing law choices to demonstrate transparency and intent.
- Regularly review templates: Legal standards evolve—ensure your boilerplate clauses reflect current best practices and legislative changes.
- Address cross-border enforcement: Consult legal counsel with expertise in both jurisdictions regarding recognition and enforcement under international conventions, such as the Hague Convention or the New York Convention.
- Use digital signature platforms carefully: Verify that electronic execution complies with your chosen law’s e-signature guidelines, as regulations differ internationally.
By following these steps, creators and collaborators can establish mutually beneficial, enforceable international contracts while minimizing legal risk.
Case Studies: Common Pitfalls in Creator Contracts Lacking Governing Law
Recent data from the International Association of Contract & Commercial Management reveals that over 40% of international contract disputes in the creative sector stem from ambiguous or missing governing law clauses. Here are illustrative scenarios from 2025:
- Unintended jurisdiction: A US-based designer and a French fashion brand signed a contract without specifying governing law. When a copyright dispute arose, the designer was forced to litigate in France under unfamiliar civil law, leading to unforeseen delays and costs.
- Conflicting legal terms: A cross-border influencer agreement referenced two sets of laws in various clauses, causing both parties to argue which country’s law took precedence—ultimately invalidating key contract terms.
- Enforcement hurdles: A contract governed by a law not recognized by either party’s courts led to a ruling that could not be enforced, rendering the creator’s IP rights unprotected.
These examples underline the practical importance of a clearly drafted, mutually understood governing law clause in international creative collaborations.
FAQs on Writing a Governing Law Clause in International Creator Contracts
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What is a governing law clause and why is it important?
A governing law clause specifies which country’s laws will interpret and enforce the contract. It provides legal certainty, reduces the risk of dispute, and streamlines enforcement, especially in international agreements.
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Can we choose any country’s law for our contract?
Generally, parties are free to agree on any jurisdiction’s law, but some countries have public policy restrictions on excluding local (mandatory) laws, especially for IP or employment issues. Legal advice is recommended.
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Do we also need a jurisdiction clause?
Yes. While the governing law clause determines which rules apply, a jurisdiction clause decides where disputes will be resolved (which country’s courts or arbitration forums have authority).
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How detailed should a governing law clause be?
It should be precise but not overly complex. Specify the country (and region, if relevant). Add exclusions only when necessary. Overly detailed clauses can cause confusion if not expertly drafted.
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Can we change the governing law after the contract is signed?
Yes, but only if both parties agree in writing to an amendment. It’s best to address this at the outset to avoid complications later.
In summary, properly drafting a governing law clause in an international creator contract protects all parties by providing legal clarity, reducing dispute risks, and safeguarding creative rights. Take the time to consider, discuss, and professionalize this key aspect to ensure successful global collaborations.