Where can I find state-specific addenda related to choice of forum for Afuri Ramen Dumpling?
Afuri_Ramen_Dumpling Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
| Provision | Section in Franchise Agreement | Summary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| ("FA") | |||
| Franchise Agreement | |||
| (Exhibit | |||
| 4). | |||
| u. Dispute Resolution by Arbitration or Mediation | FA Section 9.8 | Before taking any other legal action, the parties agree to mediate and arbitrate most types of disputes in Multnomah County, Oregon subject to state law. | |
| v. Choice of Forum | FA Section 9.8 | Subject to applicable state law, | |
| mediation, arbitration and | |||
| litigation must be in Multnomah | |||
| County, Oregon subject to state | |||
| law. Some states and provinces | |||
| do not allow franchisees to give | |||
| up their right to bring or defend | |||
| lawsuits in the courts of their | |||
| state. See the State and | |||
| Provincial Law Addendum to | |||
| the Franchise Agreement and | |||
| this disclosure document for | |||
| state-specific addenda to this | |||
| Item. |
Source: Item 17 — Renewal, Termination, Transfer, and Dispute Resolution (FDD pages 40–45)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
According to Afuri Ramen Dumpling's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, state-specific addenda regarding choice of forum can be found in two places. The State and Provincial Law Addendum to the Franchise Agreement, as well as in the disclosure document itself, contain these addenda. Because some states and provinces do not allow franchisees to waive their rights to bring or defend lawsuits in their local courts, these addenda outline any modifications to the standard forum selection clause.
This means that the standard Afuri Ramen Dumpling franchise agreement mandates that mediation, arbitration, and litigation occur in Multnomah County, Oregon, but this may be subject to change based on the franchisee's state. The state-specific addenda will clarify whether the franchisee retains the right to bring legal action in their home state, despite what the main franchise agreement says.
It is important for prospective Afuri Ramen Dumpling franchisees to carefully review these addenda to understand their rights and obligations regarding dispute resolution. This ensures they are aware of any potential limitations or modifications to the standard agreement based on their location. Franchisees should consult with a legal professional to fully understand the implications of these clauses and addenda in their specific state or province.