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North Dakota law

Commercial Litigation Laws in North Dakota.

North Dakota commercial litigation runs through the District Court. North Dakota has not established a specialized business court docket. North Dakota follows the UCC and recognizes tortious interference, fraud, civil conspiracy, and breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing. The Consumer Fraud Act (N.D. Cent. Code Chapter 51-15) provides consumer remedies. North Dakota's Bakken Shale development has produced substantial commercial-litigation activity in oil-and-gas contracts, mineral rights, land-use, and related sectors.

Last verified: 2026-04-17

State law

Statute of Limitations

6 years (contracts, most torts)N.D. Cent. Code § 28-01-16

Written contracts: 6 years. Oral contracts: 6 years. Most torts: 6 years. Fraud: 6 years from discovery.

State law

Key North Dakota Statutes

North Dakota UCC Article 2 (Sales)N.D. Cent. Code Chapter 41-02

Governs sales of goods including warranties, remedies, statute of frauds ($500+), and breach. 4-year statute of limitations for UCC sales claims.

Consumer Fraud ActN.D. Cent. Code Chapter 51-15

Prohibits deceptive acts or practices in the conduct of trade or commerce. Private cause of action with actual damages, treble damages for willful violations, and attorney fees.

Oil and Gas LitigationN.D. Cent. Code Titles 38, 47

North Dakota's Bakken Shale development produces substantial litigation around mineral rights (surface vs. mineral estate), royalty calculations, oil-and-gas leases, and surface-use agreements.

Tortious InterferenceNorth Dakota common law

Tortious interference with contract or business expectancy requires intentional interference without justification.

Prejudgment InterestN.D. Cent. Code § 32-03-04

Prejudgment interest on liquidated claims at 6% per annum unless otherwise agreed.

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 North Dakota.

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