Governing law and venue

Typical wording

The agreement is governed by Norwegian law. Disputes shall be resolved before Oslo District Court as the agreed venue.

What it means

If there is a disagreement, Norwegian rules apply and the case is heard by a particular Norwegian court.

Common practice

Norwegian law and a Norwegian venue are common where both parties are Norwegian. Foreign law or arbitration abroad means substantially higher cost and risk for a Norwegian party.

What to look for

• Is the governing law Norwegian, or foreign?
• Is the venue somewhere you can realistically litigate?
• Is arbitration agreed, and does the losing party bear the costs?
• Is mediation required before proceedings?

Source