What is being amended in Section 13(A) of the Franchise Agreement for Aira Fitness?
Aira_Fitness Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
| 1. | Section 13(A) of the Franchise Ag following language to the original | reement on Agreement to Arbitrate is amended by the addition of the language that appears therein: | | | Investment Act, that any production outside of Rhode Island is | s with respect to a claim enforceable under the Rhode Island Franchise rovision in a franchise agreement which restricts jurisdiction or venue void. Accordingly, arbitration of a claim enforceable under the Act will and unless the franchisee agrees otherwise."
Source: Item 17 — **RENEWAL, TERMINATION,TRANSFER AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION THE FRANCHISE RELATIONSHIP (FDD pages 48–54)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Aira Fitness Franchise Disclosure Document, Section 13(A) of the Franchise Agreement, which pertains to Governing Law/Consent to Jurisdiction, is being amended for franchisees in Rhode Island. The amendment adds language stating that any provision in the franchise agreement that restricts jurisdiction or venue to a forum outside of Rhode Island, or requires application of another state's laws, is void with respect to claims enforceable under the Rhode Island Franchise Investment Act.
Specifically, this means that Aira Fitness franchisees in Rhode Island retain their rights under the Rhode Island Franchise Investment Act, and the choice of law specified in the franchise agreement will not be considered a waiver of those rights. This ensures that Rhode Island franchisees can pursue claims within their own state and under their state's laws, without being forced to litigate or arbitrate in a different jurisdiction.
In practical terms, this amendment protects Aira Fitness franchisees in Rhode Island by ensuring they are not disadvantaged by potentially onerous or distant legal venues. It allows them to resolve disputes related to their franchise within the legal framework of Rhode Island, which is designed to protect franchisees. This type of addendum is common in franchise agreements to comply with state-specific franchise laws, which often aim to balance the power dynamic between franchisors and franchisees.