Washington law

Commercial Litigation Laws in Washington.

Washington commercial litigation proceeds in the Superior Court of the county where the claim accrues or where the defendant resides or transacts business. The King County Superior Court is Washington's principal commercial-litigation venue. Washington does not have a specialized business or chancery court. The U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington (Seattle) is an active federal commercial venue given the concentration of technology and e-commerce headquarters. Written-contract claims are subject to a 6-year limitation (RCW 4.16.040); UCC Article 2 sales claims, 4 years (RCW 62A.2-725).

Last verified: 2026-04-20

State law

Statute of Limitations

6 years (written contract) / 3 years (oral contract); 4 years (UCC sales)RCW 4.16.040; 4.16.080; 62A.2-725

Written-contract claims are subject to a 6-year limitation. Oral-contract claims, 3 years. UCC Article 2 sales-of-goods claims, 4 years from tender of delivery.

State law

Key Washington Statutes

Contract Statute of LimitationsRCW 4.16.040; 4.16.080

6-year limitation for written-contract claims; 3-year limitation for oral contracts.

Washington Consumer Protection ActRCW 19.86

Washington's CPA — broadly worded with a private right of action, treble damages (capped at $25,000), and attorneys' fees. Central to Washington commercial-litigation practice.

Noncompete AgreementsRCW 49.62

Washington's 2020 noncompete-reform statute — noncompetes are unenforceable against employees earning less than the statutory income threshold (indexed annually), require pre-hire disclosure, and include garden-leave provisions for terminated employees.

State law

Official Sources

Washington Courts — Superior Court U.S. District Court — Western District of Washington

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 Washington.

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Commercial Litigation Laws in Washington.

Statute of Limitations

Key Washington Statutes

Official Sources

Not Legal Advice

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