Germany didn't sign the contract, and it hosts the court. Universal Music didn't sign the contract, and it went to Germany's court. In the US, the contract te

Germany didn't sign the contract, and it hosts the court. Universal Music didn't sign the contract, and it went to Germany's court. In the US, the contract terms would normally bind the _parties to the contract._ Contracts are sometimes called "private law," as opposed to "public law." But in some circumstances and places, the government just declares the contract or provision legally void. Then, even the parties to the contract can't rely on it.