In the Afuri Ramen Dumpling agreement, what does 'including' mean?

According to the 2024 Afuri Ramen Dumpling Franchise Disclosure Document, the definition of "including" within the franchise agreement means "including but not limited to" unless the agreement explicitly states otherwise. This definition appears in the general terms of the agreement.

This means that when a list or example is provided using the word "including," it should be interpreted as an open-ended list. The items mentioned are examples, but the category is not limited to only those items. This interpretation helps to provide Afuri Ramen Dumpling with flexibility in the application and enforcement of the franchise agreement.

For a prospective Afuri Ramen Dumpling franchisee, this definition implies that any obligations, restrictions, or rights outlined in the agreement that use the term "including" could potentially extend beyond the listed examples. It is important to consider this open-endedness when evaluating the terms of the franchise agreement and to seek clarification from Afuri Ramen Dumpling regarding any specific concerns or potential implications.