SABA Software, Inc. v. Deere & Co.
29 N.E.3d 85
Ill. App. Ct.2014Background
- Saba sued Deere in Cook County for breach of contract and unjust enrichment related to a software subscription agreement signed Feb 23, 2011.
- Deere moved to transfer to Rock Island County or, alternatively, to apply forum non conveniens; the trial court denied.
- The subscription agreement includes a venue clause: exclusive Illinois venue for matters arising under the agreement.
- Deere argued the Illinois venue statute (735 ILCS 5/2-104) and forum non conveniens should control.
- Saba argued the venue clause waives venue objections and Cook County is proper under the statute and contract.
- This interlocutory appeal follows the denial of Deere’s transfer motion.
Issues
| Issue | Plaintiff's Argument | Defendant's Argument | Held |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proper venue in Cook County under statute and contract | Saba relies on venue clause allowing Illinois courts; forum non conveniens not available | Deere argues clause does not trump statute; venue improper in Cook County | Cook County proper; waiver clause controls |
| Application of forum non conveniens | Venue clause forecloses convenience arguments | Forum non conveniens should transfer to Rock Island County | Forum non conveniens not applicable; venue remains proper in Cook County |
Key Cases Cited
- Martin-Trigona v. Roderick, 29 Ill. App. 3d 553 (1975) (venue waiver void as against public policy in some contracts)
- Williams v. Illinois State Scholarly Comm’n, 139 Ill. 2d 24 (1990) (forum selection clause void as against public policy in adhesion agreements)
- The Bremen v. Zapata Off-Shore Co., 407 U.S. 1 (1972) (contractual forum clause generally enforceable unless gravely deficient or inconvenient)
- Neirbo Co. v. Bethlehem Shipbuilding Corp., 308 U.S. 165 (1939) (venue is a personal privilege; may be waived or forfeited by contract)
- Progressive Universal Insurance Co. of Illinois v. Liberty Mutual Fire Insurance Co., 215 Ill. 2d 121 (2005) (strong public policy favoring freedom to contract; private contract void only sparingly)