Legal Definitions - connecting factor

Definition: A connecting factor is a factual or legal circumstance that helps determine the choice of law by linking an action or individual with a state or jurisdiction.

For example, a party's domicile within a state can be a connecting factor. This means that if a person is sued in a state where they live, the laws of that state will apply to the case.

In copyright law, a connecting factor is a connection with a copyright-convention member nation that makes a work eligible for protection under that convention. For instance, a work is eligible for Berne Convention protection if the author is a citizen of a Berne member nation or if the work originated in a Berne member nation.

These examples illustrate how a connecting factor can help determine which laws apply to a particular situation. By linking an action or individual with a state or jurisdiction, a connecting factor can help ensure that the appropriate laws are applied and justice is served.