Governing Law &
Dispute Resolution

1. Governing Law

All agreements, contracts, terms of service, and any legal relationship between Artisan Studio (referred to as "we," "us," or "our") and our clients, users, or partners (collectively referred to as "you" or "Client") shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York, United States of America, without regard to its conflict of law principles.

This governing law applies to all aspects of our engagement, including but not limited to:

• Service agreements and project contracts
• Intellectual property rights and licensing
• Payment terms and financial obligations
• Confidentiality and non-disclosure agreements
• Website terms of use and privacy policies
• Any oral or written agreements related to our creative services

2. Jurisdiction & Venue

The parties expressly agree that any legal action, suit, or proceeding arising out of or related to our agreements shall be brought exclusively in the state or federal courts located in New York County (Manhattan), New York. Both parties hereby consent to the personal jurisdiction and venue of these courts.

We both waive any objection to the laying of venue in such courts and any claim that such venue is inconvenient or improper. This agreement shall not prevent either party from bringing proceedings in other jurisdictions where permitted by law, nor prevent us from seeking injunctive or other equitable relief in any appropriate jurisdiction.

3. Dispute Resolution Process

At Artisan Studio, we believe in maintaining positive, collaborative relationships with all our clients and partners. In the event a dispute arises, we commit to resolving it fairly, efficiently, and professionally. We have established a tiered dispute resolution process that prioritizes informal resolution before escalating to formal proceedings.

Both parties agree to follow the following escalating process before initiating any legal action (except as noted below for small claims and intellectual property matters):

4. Step 1 — Direct Negotiation

Upon the occurrence of any dispute, controversy, or claim arising out of or relating to our agreement, the aggrieved party must first provide written notice of the dispute to Artisan Studio's designated legal contact. This notice should include:

• A detailed description of the nature and basis of the claim
• The amount or relief sought
• Relevant supporting documentation

Both parties agree to engage in good-faith negotiations to resolve the dispute within thirty (30) calendar days from the date of the written notice. Senior representatives from both parties (with authority to settle) shall participate in these discussions, which may include virtual or in-person meetings.

5. Step 2 — Mediation

If the dispute cannot be resolved through direct negotiation within the 30-day period, both parties agree to participate in non-binding mediation administered by a mutually agreed-upon mediator or through the American Arbitration Association (AAA) under its Commercial Mediation Procedures.

• The mediation shall take place in New York, NY, or virtually as mutually agreed
• Mediation sessions shall occur within thirty (30) days after the negotiation period expires
• The costs of mediation shall be shared equally between both parties
• Each party bears its own attorney fees and costs associated with mediation
• The mediator's suggestions and any offers/positions made during mediation are confidential and inadmissible in subsequent proceedings

6. Step 3 — Binding Arbitration

If mediation does not resolve the dispute, the matter shall be finally resolved through binding arbitration administered by the American Arbitration Association (AAA) under its Commercial Arbitration Rules. The arbitration shall be conducted by a single arbitrator.

Key arbitration terms include:

• Location: The arbitration shall take place in New York, NY
• Language: The arbitration shall be conducted in English
• Rules: AAA Commercial Arbitration Rules in effect at the time the demand for arbitration is filed
• Scope: The arbitrator shall have exclusive authority to resolve all disputes relating to the interpretation, applicability, and enforceability of this arbitration agreement
• Awards: The arbitrator's award shall be final and binding, and judgment may be entered in any court of competent jurisdiction
• Discovery: Limited to what is allowed by the AAA Rules for commercial arbitration

7. Step 4 — Court Litigation

Notwithstanding the foregoing dispute resolution provisions, either party may pursue court litigation for:

• Claims for injunctive or equitable relief (including but not limited to protection of intellectual property rights, trade secrets, or confidential information)
• Claims arising under small claims court jurisdiction
• Situations where arbitration or mediation is deemed inappropriate by either party's legal counsel, subject to the provisions below

In the event that any party elects to pursue litigation (where permitted), the litigation shall be filed in the state or federal courts located in New York County, New York, as specified in the Jurisdiction section above.

The prevailing party in any litigation shall be entitled to recover reasonable attorneys' fees, court costs, and other expenses incurred in connection with such proceedings.

8. Intellectual Property Disputes

As a creative design agency, intellectual property rights are central to our business. Any disputes specifically related to intellectual property — including copyright infringement, trademark violations, breach of licensing terms, or misappropriation of creative works — shall be handled as follows:

1. Cease & Desist The aggrieved party may issue a cease and desist letter requesting immediate cessation of the alleged infringement.
2. IP-Specific Mediation If the infringement is not resolved within 15 days, both parties shall engage in specialized IP mediation with a mediator experienced in intellectual property law.
3. Arbitration or Litigation The aggrieved party may elect either binding arbitration (as described above) or direct court litigation for IP-related claims, given the potential irreparable harm associated with intellectual property violations.
4. Injunctive Relief Nothing in this agreement shall prevent either party from seeking injunctive relief or other emergency equitable remedies in any court of competent jurisdiction to prevent imminent or ongoing intellectual property harm.

9. Small Claims

Either party may bring a claim in small claims court to the extent the claim qualifies under applicable small claims jurisdictional limits ($25,000 in New York State). Small claims proceedings are exempt from the mediation and arbitration requirements outlined above.

However, any claim brought in small claims court shall still be governed by New York law, and the parties agree that small claims proceedings shall be conducted in the court having jurisdiction over the defendant's place of business or residence.

10. Class Action Waiver

By agreeing to our terms, both parties agree that any dispute resolution proceedings — including arbitration, mediation, or litigation — shall be conducted only on an individual basis. Neither party may:

• Participate in a class action or consolidated action as a plaintiff or claimant
• Participate in a class-wide or consolidated arbitration
• Seek to represent or act on behalf of other persons or entities
• Join claims with those of other parties in any proceeding

This class action waiver applies even if the parties have similar disputes with Artisan Studio. Each party's claims are unique and must be addressed individually through the dispute resolution process described herein.

11. Severability

If any provision of this Governing Law & Dispute Resolution agreement is held to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect. The invalid or unenforceable provision shall be modified to the minimum extent necessary to make it valid, legal, and enforceable while preserving its original intent and purpose.

Both parties acknowledge that they have read and understood this Governing Law & Dispute Resolution agreement and agree to be bound by its terms. This agreement represents the entire understanding between the parties regarding governing law and dispute resolution and supersedes any prior or contemporaneous oral or written agreements on these matters.

12. Changes to This Policy

Artisan Studio reserves the right to modify, amend, or update this Governing Law & Dispute Resolution policy at any time. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated "Last Updated" date. Continued use of our services after such modifications constitutes acceptance of the revised terms.

We encourage all clients and users to review this page periodically for any changes. Significant changes to dispute resolution procedures will be communicated directly to active clients via email or written notice at least thirty (30) days before the changes take effect.

13. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Governing Law & Dispute Resolution policy, or if you wish to initiate the dispute resolution process, please contact our legal team: