Applicable law clause: Copy, customize, and use instantly
Introduction
An applicable law clause sets out which state or country’s laws a party must follow to meet legal requirements under the contract. Unlike governing law clauses, which focus on how the contract is interpreted, this clause ensures compliance with specific legal rules tied to the agreement. It’s especially useful for cross-border contracts or industries with strict regulations.
Below are templates for applicable law clauses tailored to different compliance needs. Pick the one that works for you, customise it, and add it to your contract.
Standard applicable law clause
This clause requires compliance with the laws of a specific jurisdiction.
Each party must comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and rules of [insert state/country] in performing its obligations under this agreement.
Cross-border compliance clause
This clause applies to contracts spanning multiple jurisdictions.
Each party agrees to comply with all applicable laws of its principal place of business and any laws of [insert country/state] that directly relate to the subject matter of this agreement.
Industry-specific compliance clause
This clause emphasizes compliance with regulations in a specific industry.
Each party must comply with all applicable laws and regulations in [insert industry, e.g., healthcare, manufacturing] that apply to its performance under this agreement, including [insert specific laws, if any].
Local laws priority clause
This clause ensures compliance with local laws where obligations are performed.
Each party will comply with all applicable local laws and regulations in the jurisdictions where its obligations under this agreement are performed, regardless of the governing law.
Multi-jurisdictional compliance clause
This clause covers compliance across multiple territories.
Each party agrees to comply with all applicable laws in [insert territories or countries], including but not limited to regulations specific to [insert specific subject matter, e.g., data privacy, taxation].
Compliance with export/import laws clause
This clause focuses on trade-related compliance.
The parties will comply with all applicable export and import laws, regulations, and restrictions, including those of [insert state/country], as they relate to the performance and delivery of goods or services under this agreement.
Environmental compliance clause
This clause emphasizes adherence to environmental laws.
Each party agrees to comply with all applicable environmental laws and regulations related to its performance under this agreement, including [insert specific environmental regulations, if relevant].
Compliance with tax laws clause
This clause ensures adherence to tax laws.
Each party will comply with all applicable tax laws, including reporting, withholding, and payment obligations under the laws of [insert state/country].
Anti-corruption compliance clause
This clause addresses compliance with anti-bribery and anti-corruption laws.
Each party must comply with all applicable anti-bribery and anti-corruption laws, including but not limited to [insert specific laws, e.g., the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, the UK Bribery Act].
Employment laws compliance clause
This clause requires adherence to employment laws.
Each party agrees to comply with all applicable employment and labor laws, including but not limited to wage and hour regulations, workplace safety standards, and anti-discrimination laws in [insert state/country].
Compliance with data privacy laws clause
This clause addresses obligations under privacy regulations.
Each party agrees to comply with all applicable data privacy laws, including [insert specific laws, e.g., GDPR, CCPA], as they relate to the collection, processing, and storage of personal data under this agreement.
Compliance with licensing laws clause
This clause focuses on obtaining and maintaining required licenses.
Each party will comply with all applicable licensing laws and regulations, including obtaining and maintaining any necessary permits, certifications, or approvals required for its performance under this agreement.
Compliance with public safety laws clause
This clause emphasizes adherence to laws that ensure public safety.
The parties agree to comply with all applicable public safety laws, ordinances, and regulations, including those governing the operation of equipment, handling of materials, and delivery of services under this agreement.
Compliance with government contracts clause
This clause addresses laws specific to government contracts.
Each party agrees to comply with all applicable laws and regulations governing government contracts, including procurement policies, reporting requirements, and anti-fraud provisions under [insert jurisdiction].
Compliance with anti-money laundering laws clause
This clause targets financial and banking-related compliance.
The parties will comply with all applicable anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing laws, including [insert specific laws, e.g., Bank Secrecy Act, EU AMLD].
Compliance with professional standards clause
This clause focuses on professional regulations and ethics.
Each party agrees to comply with all applicable professional standards, codes of conduct, and regulatory requirements in [insert field, e.g., legal, medical, accounting], as they pertain to the performance of obligations under this agreement.
Compliance with advertising laws clause
This clause targets contracts involving marketing or promotion.
Each party will comply with all applicable advertising and marketing laws, including truth-in-advertising standards, consumer protection regulations, and digital media guidelines under [insert jurisdiction].
Compliance with construction laws clause
This clause ensures adherence to construction-specific regulations.
The parties agree to comply with all applicable construction laws and regulations, including building codes, safety standards, and zoning requirements in the jurisdiction where the work is performed.
Compliance with consumer protection laws clause
This clause ensures adherence to laws safeguarding consumers.
Each party agrees to comply with all applicable consumer protection laws, including requirements related to disclosures, warranties, and fair business practices in [insert jurisdiction].
Compliance with transportation laws clause
This clause addresses regulations governing transportation and logistics.
The parties will comply with all applicable transportation laws and regulations, including but not limited to vehicle safety standards, carrier licensing, and import/export rules under [insert jurisdiction].
Compliance with public procurement laws clause
This clause applies to contracts involving public entities.
Each party will comply with all applicable public procurement laws and regulations, including bid submission requirements, anti-collusion rules, and disclosure obligations under [insert jurisdiction].
Compliance with intellectual property laws clause
This clause ensures adherence to IP-specific regulations.
The parties agree to comply with all applicable intellectual property laws, including but not limited to copyright, trademark, and patent regulations in [insert jurisdiction].
Compliance with financial reporting laws clause
This clause emphasizes adherence to financial disclosure and reporting rules.
Each party will comply with all applicable financial reporting and disclosure laws, including [insert specific laws, e.g., Sarbanes-Oxley Act, IFRS standards], as they pertain to activities under this agreement.
Compliance with trade embargoes and sanctions clause
This clause targets international trade restrictions.
Each party agrees to comply with all applicable trade embargoes, sanctions, and economic restrictions, including those enforced by [insert governing body, e.g., OFAC, the UN].
Compliance with import/export control laws clause
This clause ensures adherence to import/export-specific regulations.
Each party will comply with all applicable import/export control laws, including obtaining any required licenses or permits, and ensuring that shipments meet regulatory requirements under [insert jurisdiction].
Compliance with environmental sustainability laws clause
This clause emphasizes adherence to sustainability-focused regulations.
Each party agrees to comply with all applicable laws and regulations promoting environmental sustainability, including waste management, emissions controls, and energy efficiency standards under [insert jurisdiction].
Compliance with nonprofit organization laws clause
This clause targets rules for nonprofit entities.
Each party agrees to comply with all applicable laws and regulations governing nonprofit organizations, including those related to tax exemptions, reporting requirements, and fundraising activities in [insert jurisdiction].
Compliance with safety and health laws clause
This clause ensures adherence to workplace safety standards.
Each party will comply with all applicable safety and health regulations, including those governing employee safety, hazardous materials, and emergency preparedness under [insert jurisdiction].
Compliance with securities laws clause
This clause focuses on capital markets and securities compliance.
The parties agree to comply with all applicable securities laws, including but not limited to disclosure requirements, insider trading regulations, and offering restrictions under [insert jurisdiction].
Compliance with education sector laws clause
This clause targets contracts in the education industry.
Each party agrees to comply with all applicable laws and regulations governing educational institutions, including student privacy protections and accreditation requirements in [insert jurisdiction].
Compliance with agricultural laws clause
This clause ensures adherence to farming and agricultural regulations.
Each party agrees to comply with all applicable agricultural laws, including those governing pesticide use, crop management, and animal welfare standards under [insert jurisdiction].
Compliance with cultural heritage laws clause
This clause ensures respect for laws protecting cultural and historical assets.
The parties will comply with all applicable cultural heritage laws, including regulations governing the use, transfer, and preservation of historical artifacts and sites under [insert jurisdiction].
Compliance with data security laws clause
This clause emphasizes obligations under cybersecurity regulations.
Each party agrees to comply with all applicable data security laws, including those related to encryption standards, breach notification requirements, and secure storage of sensitive data under [insert jurisdiction].
Compliance with energy regulations clause
This clause applies to agreements involving energy production or use.
The parties will comply with all applicable energy laws and regulations, including licensing, renewable energy targets, and emissions reporting under [insert jurisdiction].
Compliance with telecommunication laws clause
This clause addresses contracts in the telecom industry.
Each party agrees to comply with all applicable telecommunication laws, including those governing network infrastructure, data transmission, and consumer protection under [insert jurisdiction].
Compliance with international anti-dumping laws clause
This clause applies to trade and import/export agreements.
The parties agree to comply with all applicable anti-dumping and fair trade laws, including any regulations aimed at preventing below-cost pricing in [insert jurisdiction].
Compliance with maritime laws clause
This clause focuses on shipping and ocean-related regulations.
Each party will comply with all applicable maritime laws, including those governing vessel safety, cargo handling, and international waters under [insert jurisdiction].
Compliance with renewable resource laws clause
This clause emphasizes sustainability in resource use.
The parties agree to comply with all applicable renewable resource laws, including regulations governing the sustainable extraction and use of natural resources under [insert jurisdiction].
Compliance with biotech and pharmaceutical laws clause
This clause targets compliance in highly regulated industries.
Each party agrees to comply with all applicable biotech and pharmaceutical laws, including clinical trial standards, product safety regulations, and manufacturing guidelines under [insert jurisdiction].
Compliance with artificial intelligence regulations clause
This clause addresses the use of AI systems and algorithms.
Each party will comply with all applicable laws and regulations governing the development, deployment, and use of artificial intelligence systems, including transparency, bias mitigation, and accountability standards under [insert jurisdiction].
Compliance with autonomous vehicle laws clause
This clause targets agreements involving self-driving technology.
The parties agree to comply with all applicable laws and regulations governing the testing, operation, and commercial deployment of autonomous vehicles under [insert jurisdiction].
Compliance with cryptocurrency and blockchain laws clause
This clause ensures adherence to regulations in the crypto space.
Each party will comply with all applicable laws governing cryptocurrency transactions, blockchain technology, and digital asset management, including reporting and anti-money laundering requirements under [insert jurisdiction].
Compliance with gaming and esports laws clause
This clause addresses contracts in the gaming industry.
Each party agrees to comply with all applicable laws and regulations governing gaming and esports, including intellectual property protections, prize distribution rules, and player contract standards under [insert jurisdiction].
Compliance with drone operation laws clause
This clause ensures adherence to unmanned aerial vehicle regulations.
The parties will comply with all applicable laws and regulations governing the operation, licensing, and usage of drones, including flight restrictions and privacy laws under [insert jurisdiction].
Compliance with sustainable building laws clause
This clause applies to green construction and sustainability-focused projects.
Each party agrees to comply with all applicable sustainable building laws, including green building certification requirements, energy efficiency standards, and waste reduction mandates under [insert jurisdiction].
Compliance with gig economy regulations clause
This clause targets contracts in freelance or platform-based industries.
Each party will comply with all applicable laws governing gig economy workers, including minimum wage, benefits, and classification requirements under [insert jurisdiction].
Compliance with fashion and textile laws clause
This clause ensures adherence to industry-specific standards.
Each party agrees to comply with all applicable laws governing fashion and textiles, including labor standards, sustainable sourcing, and labeling requirements under [insert jurisdiction].
Compliance with digital health laws clause
This clause applies to telehealth or digital health technology contracts.
The parties will comply with all applicable digital health laws, including data privacy, telemedicine licensing, and electronic health record regulations under [insert jurisdiction].
Compliance with electric vehicle infrastructure laws clause
This clause addresses contracts involving EV charging stations or networks.
Each party agrees to comply with all applicable laws and regulations governing electric vehicle infrastructure, including installation standards, safety certifications, and grid integration under [insert jurisdiction].
Compliance with crowd-funding laws clause
This clause ensures adherence to regulations for raising capital online.
The parties will comply with all applicable crowd-funding laws, including disclosure requirements, investor limits, and platform registration rules under [insert jurisdiction].
Compliance with social media advertising laws clause
This clause focuses on influencer and social media campaigns.
Each party will comply with all applicable laws governing social media advertising, including transparency requirements, content standards, and endorsement disclosure rules under [insert jurisdiction].
Compliance with biotech ethics laws clause
This clause ensures adherence to ethical standards in biotechnology.
Each party agrees to comply with all applicable laws and ethical guidelines governing biotechnology, including genetic research, human subject protections, and product testing standards under [insert jurisdiction].
Compliance with renewable energy trade laws clause
This clause addresses the international trade of renewable energy products.
The parties will comply with all applicable laws governing the trade of renewable energy products, including tariffs, subsidies, and sustainability certifications under [insert jurisdiction].
Compliance with space exploration laws clause
This clause addresses contracts related to space technology or exploration.
Each party agrees to comply with all applicable laws governing space exploration and activities, including licensing requirements, international treaties, and safety standards under [insert jurisdiction].
Compliance with virtual reality and augmented reality laws clause
This clause focuses on agreements involving VR and AR technology.
The parties will comply with all applicable laws governing the development and use of virtual reality and augmented reality technology, including user data privacy, intellectual property protections, and content standards under [insert jurisdiction].
Compliance with genetic data privacy laws clause
This clause targets contracts involving genetic testing or data.
Each party agrees to comply with all applicable laws regulating the collection, storage, and use of genetic data, including [insert specific regulations, e.g., GDPR or HIPAA] under [insert jurisdiction].
Compliance with renewable energy credits laws clause
This clause ensures adherence to laws governing renewable energy trading.
The parties will comply with all applicable laws regulating renewable energy credits (RECs), including registration, tracking, and reporting requirements under [insert jurisdiction].
Compliance with smart city technology laws clause
This clause focuses on agreements for urban technology solutions.
Each party agrees to comply with all applicable laws governing smart city technologies, including data sharing protocols, infrastructure standards, and privacy regulations under [insert jurisdiction].
Compliance with carbon offset laws clause
This clause applies to contracts involving environmental offsets.
The parties will comply with all applicable laws and standards governing carbon offset programs, including certification, reporting, and verification requirements under [insert jurisdiction].
Compliance with precision agriculture laws clause
This clause ensures compliance with tech-enabled farming regulations.
Each party agrees to comply with all applicable laws governing precision agriculture technologies, including drone use, data collection, and pesticide application standards under [insert jurisdiction].
Compliance with esports betting laws clause
This clause targets agreements in the growing field of esports wagering.
The parties will comply with all applicable laws governing esports betting, including licensing, age restrictions, and fraud prevention measures under [insert jurisdiction].
Compliance with autonomous maritime vessels laws clause
This clause ensures adherence to regulations for self-navigating ships.
Each party agrees to comply with all applicable laws governing autonomous maritime vessels, including safety standards, navigation protocols, and liability rules under [insert jurisdiction].
Compliance with 3D printing and manufacturing laws clause
This clause addresses legal issues in additive manufacturing.
Each party will comply with all applicable laws governing 3D printing, including intellectual property protections, product safety standards, and export restrictions under [insert jurisdiction].
Compliance with rare earth materials laws clause
This clause ensures adherence to laws governing rare materials.
The parties agree to comply with all applicable laws regulating the extraction, trade, and use of rare earth materials, including environmental and labor standards under [insert jurisdiction].
Compliance with bioinformatics regulations clause
This clause focuses on contracts involving computational biology.
Each party agrees to comply with all applicable laws and ethical guidelines governing bioinformatics, including data security, intellectual property, and research transparency under [insert jurisdiction].
Compliance with fintech and digital banking laws clause
This clause addresses contracts in financial technology services.
The parties will comply with all applicable laws regulating financial technology and digital banking services, including anti-fraud, consumer protection, and licensing requirements under [insert jurisdiction].
Compliance with cultural export/import laws clause
This clause ensures adherence to laws protecting cultural artifacts.
Each party agrees to comply with all applicable laws governing the export and import of cultural artifacts, including international treaties and local heritage protection regulations under [insert jurisdiction].
Compliance with quantum computing regulations clause
This clause addresses contracts in the emerging field of quantum technology.
The parties will comply with all applicable laws governing quantum computing and encryption technologies, including national security protocols and intellectual property protections under [insert jurisdiction].
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.