In a dispute with All Dogs Unleashed, what must the arbitrator state in writing regarding the award?
All_Dogs_Unleashed Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Judgment upon the arbitrator's award may be entered in any court of competent jurisdiction, and the arbitrator must state in writing the reasoning upon which the award is based.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 49–158)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to All Dogs Unleashed's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, any dispute that proceeds to arbitration requires the arbitrator to provide a written explanation of the reasoning behind their decision. This requirement ensures transparency and clarity in the arbitration process, allowing both All Dogs Unleashed and the franchisee to understand the basis for the arbitrator's award.
This stipulation is important for prospective franchisees because it provides a layer of accountability in the arbitration process. Knowing that the arbitrator must justify their decision in writing can give franchisees confidence that the outcome will be based on reasoned analysis rather than arbitrary judgment. This also allows both parties to better understand the decision and potentially use it as a reference in future disputes.
In the franchise industry, it is common for arbitration agreements to include provisions for written explanations of awards. This practice helps maintain fairness and allows parties to learn from the arbitration process. Franchisees should carefully review the arbitration clauses in their franchise agreements to understand their rights and obligations in case a dispute arises with All Dogs Unleashed.