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California law

Commercial Litigation Laws in California.

California commercial-litigation work often involves contract disputes, fraud claims, business torts, unfair-competition claims, partnership and LLC fights, and UCC issues. Most commercial disputes run through the California Superior Court, with California’s Corporations Code, Commercial Code, and Business and Professions Code § 17200 driving substantive analysis.

Last verified: 2026-04-17

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State law

Statute of Limitations

4 years (written contract) / 2 years (oral contract) / 3 years (fraud); variesCal. Code Civ. Proc. §§ 337, 339, 338

California contract and commercial-claim deadlines depend on theory. Written-contract claims are generally 4 years; oral contracts are generally 2 years; fraud claims are generally 3 years with a discovery rule; other theories follow tort or UCC limitations.

State law

Key California Statutes

California Code of Civil ProcedureCal. Code Civ. Proc.

Commercial-litigation procedure is governed by the Code of Civil Procedure and the California Rules of Court, which control pleading, discovery, and motion practice in superior court.

California Unfair Competition LawCal. Bus. & Prof. Code §§ 17200 et seq.

California’s UCL prohibits unlawful, unfair, or fraudulent business practices and is a significant driver of commercial and consumer litigation in California.

State law

Official Sources

Not Legal Advice

This page summarizes publicly available statutes and rules for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice, and no attorney-client relationship is created by viewing this content. Laws change — always verify with the primary source or consult a licensed attorney in California.

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