9. Governing Law & Disputes

This section outlines the legal framework that governs your relationship with #about ("Company," "we," "our," or "us"), including how disputes will be resolved, which laws apply, and where legal proceedings may be initiated. By using our services, you acknowledge and agree to these terms.

Governing Law

These Terms of Service, including any disputes arising out of or relating to their subject matter or formation, shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of California, United States of America, without regard to its conflict of law principles.

All statutory references shall be interpreted under the most current version of applicable state and federal laws in effect at the time of any dispute.

Jurisdiction & Venue

Any legal action, proceeding, or claim arising out of or related to these Terms shall be brought exclusively in the state or federal courts located in San Francisco County, California. Both you and #about hereby irrevocably consent to the personal jurisdiction and venue in such courts and waive any objection to venue or forum non conveniens.

Dispute Resolution Process

Before initiating any formal legal proceedings, both parties agree to attempt to resolve disputes through good-faith negotiation and alternative dispute resolution mechanisms as outlined below:

1. Direct Negotiation: You agree to notify #about in writing of any dispute within thirty (30) days of its occurrence. A designated representative from both parties will attempt to resolve the matter within sixty (60) days.
2. Formal Notice: Written notice should be sent to our legal department at legal@about.studio or via certified mail to our registered business address.
3. Escalation: If unresolved through negotiation, disputes will proceed to binding arbitration or mediation as specified below.

Mediation & Arbitration

Mediation: Prior to arbitration, both parties agree to participate in non-binding mediation administered by a neutral third-party mediator selected jointly or appointed by the American Arbitration Association (AAA).

Binding Arbitration: If mediation fails, any remaining dispute, controversy, or claim arising out of or relating to these Terms shall be resolved by binding arbitration administered by the AAA in accordance with its Commercial Arbitration Rules. The arbitration shall take place in San Francisco, California, and judgment on the award may be entered in any court having jurisdiction.

Arbitration proceedings will be conducted by a single arbitrator. Both parties shall share equally in the payment of filing and administrative fees, unless the arbitrator determines otherwise based on equity.

Class Action Waiver

Except as provided in the Small Claims Exception below, any arbitration or legal proceedings under these Terms shall be conducted solely on an individual basis. You agree that neither you nor #about shall initiate or participate in any proceeding as a plaintiff or class member in a class action, consolidated action, or representative action. This waiver applies to court litigation and arbitration.

Small Claims Exception

Notwithstanding the foregoing, either party may bring an individual action in small claims court, provided the claim falls within the monetary jurisdictional limits of such court and is pursued solely on an individual, non-representative basis.

Statute of Limitations

You agree that any cause of action or claim arising out of or related to these Terms must be commenced within one (1) year after such cause of action or claim arises. If any action is brought after the expiration of this time period, it shall be permanently barred, regardless of any statutory or common law provisions that might otherwise allow a longer period.

Severability & Amendments

If any provision of this section is found to be unenforceable or invalid, that provision shall be limited or eliminated to the minimum extent necessary so that this section otherwise remains in full force and effect and enforceable.

#about reserves the right to modify, amend, or replace this section at any time with thirty (30) days' prior notice. Continued use of our services following such notice constitutes acceptance of the revised terms.