Does the arbitrator for All Dogs Unleashed have to follow the law?
All_Dogs_Unleashed Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- 8.2.5 The arbitrator will have subpoena powers limited only by the laws of the State of Texas. The parties ask that the arbitrator limit discovery to the greatest extent possible consistent with basic fairness to minimize the time and expense of arbitration. The parties to the dispute must otherwise have the same discovery rights as are available in civil actions under the laws of the State of Texas. All other procedural matters are determined by applying the statutory, common laws, and rules of procedure that control a court of competent jurisdiction in the State of Texas.
- 8.2.6 Other than as required by law, the entire arbitration proceedings (including, without limitation, any rulings, decisions or orders of the arbitrator), must remain confidential and must not be disclosed to anyone other than the parties to this Agreement.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 49–158)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to All Dogs Unleashed's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the arbitrator's powers are defined by the laws of Texas. The parties involved in a dispute with All Dogs Unleashed must have the same discovery rights as they would in civil actions under Texas law. Furthermore, all procedural matters are determined by applying the statutory and common laws, as well as the rules of procedure, that would control a court of competent jurisdiction in Texas.
This means that the arbitrator in a dispute involving All Dogs Unleashed is not free to disregard established legal principles. Instead, the arbitrator must operate within the framework of Texas law, ensuring that both parties have access to the same legal rights and procedures they would have in a traditional court setting. This provides a level of legal protection and predictability for franchisees.
However, the document also states that the arbitration proceedings must remain confidential, unless otherwise required by law. This confidentiality clause means that the details of any disputes, including the arbitrator's rulings and decisions, cannot be disclosed to anyone outside of the parties involved in the agreement. This could limit a franchisee's ability to share information about their experiences with other potential franchisees.