Is All Team prohibited from requiring a waiver of a jury trial in Minnesota?
All_Team Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Notwithstanding anything contained in the foregoing Franchise Agreement and Franchise Disclosure Document ("FDD") to the contrary, the following provisions of the Minnesota Franchise Act shall apply to any franchise or franchisee located in the State of Minnesota, which shall control to the extent of any inconsistency:
MINN.
STAT.
SECTION 80C.21 and MINNESOTA RULES 2860.4400(J) prohibit the franchisor from requiring litigation to be conducted outside Minnesota, requiring waiver of a jury trial, or requiring the franchisee to consent to liquidated damages, termination penalties or judgment notes.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPT (FDD pages 34–161)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to All Team's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, if a franchise is located in Minnesota, All Team is prohibited from requiring a waiver of a jury trial. The Minnesota State Law Addendum specifies that certain provisions of the Minnesota Franchise Act apply to franchises within the state, and these provisions take precedence over any conflicting terms in the Franchise Agreement or Franchise Disclosure Document.
Specifically, the addendum references MINN. STAT. SECTION 80C.21 and MINNESOTA RULES 2860.4400(J), which explicitly prohibit All Team from requiring franchisees to waive their right to a jury trial. This protection ensures that Minnesota franchisees retain their right to have disputes resolved by a jury if they so choose.
This provision is designed to protect franchisees in Minnesota and ensure they are not forced to give up important legal rights as a condition of the franchise agreement. Prospective franchisees in Minnesota can be assured that they will have the right to a jury trial for disputes, regardless of what the standard franchise agreement might otherwise state.