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
State law
Statute of Limitations
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
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’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.
Next step
Move from state law into guided help or attorney search.
If you want help applying this information to your situation, start with guided help or browse attorneys for this issue in California.
More in California
Other state law topics.
Personal Injury Laws·Criminal Defense Laws·Family Laws·Immigration Laws·Employment Laws·Bankruptcy Laws·Medical Malpractice Laws·Workers' Compensation Laws·Wrongful Death Laws·Product Liability Laws·Long-Term Disability & ERISA Laws·Estate Planning Laws·Probate Laws·Real Estate Laws·Landlord & Tenant Laws·Business Laws·Intellectual Property Laws·Tax Laws·Elder Laws·Nursing Home Abuse & Neglect Laws·Civil Rights Laws·Domestic Violence Laws·Veterans Legal Services Laws·Healthcare & Benefits Laws·Construction Defect Laws·Insurance Disputes Laws·Premises Liability Laws·Environmental Laws·Securities & Finance Laws·Municipal Laws·Administrative Laws