How are gendered terms interpreted in the All Team franchise agreement?
All_Team Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
All terms and words used in this Agreement, regardless of the number and gender in which they are used, shall be deemed and construed to include any other number, singular or plural, and any other gender, masculine, feminine, or neuter, as the context or sense of the Agreement or any section, paragraph, or clause herein may require, as if such words had been fully and properly written in the appropriate number and gender.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD pages 33–34)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to All Team's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the franchise agreement uses inclusive language regarding gender. The agreement states that all terms, regardless of the number and gender used, should be interpreted to include any other number (singular or plural) and any other gender (masculine, feminine, or neuter). This ensures that the agreement applies equally, no matter the franchisee's gender identity or the context of the clause.
This clause aims to prevent ambiguity or disputes arising from the use of specific gendered terms. For example, if a clause uses the term "he," it should be understood to also mean "she" or "they" if the context requires. This inclusive approach helps ensure that the agreement is fair and equitable for all franchisees, regardless of their gender.
For a prospective All Team franchisee, this means the franchise agreement is designed to be gender-neutral. Franchisees can be confident that their rights and obligations under the agreement will not be affected by the use of gendered language. This clause promotes clarity and inclusivity, reducing the risk of misinterpretations or legal challenges based on gendered terminology.