Recording Contract under law of another state

[raxian]

What is the name of your state? MA

I signed a recording contract awhile back. It was several pages long and I didn't notice until now that there is a line in there that says the contract is considered entered into and performed entirely inside California and that interpretation of the contract, whether it is valid, etc. is governed by California law.

Is this normal? Can a company in MA just pick a state clear on the other side of the country and say we're going to follow that law?

 

[divgradcurl]

Is this normal?

Many contracts have a "choice of law" provision. Such a provision can make life more predictable in the case of litigation, as different states may construe parts of contracts differently.

Can a company in MA just pick a state clear on the other side of the country and say we're going to follow that law?

Potentially, although more likely the MA company also does business (or is headquartered in or is incorporated in) CA.

However, the key thing is, YOU signed the contract, presumabley after YOU read the contract thoroughly, or had your attorney ready the contract thoroughly. Two entities can agree to almost anything in a contract...