Where are payments deemed made for an Annex Brands franchise?
Annex_Brands Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
THIS RETAIL CENTER FRANCHISE AGREEMENT ("Agreement") is made and entered into at San Diego, California, as of the effective date set forth above, by and between ANNEX BRANDS, INC., a California corporation located at 7580 Metropolitan Drive, Suite 200, San Diego, California 92108 ("Franchisor"), and the person(s) listed above (individually or collectively, "Franchisee"), to evidence the agreement and understandings of the parties.
WHEREAS, Franchisor has expended time, skill, money, and effort to develop a unique business system, substantial know-how and confidential information for establishing and operating standard and express retail businesses providing business support, mailbox rental (physical and virtual), package receiving, postal, printing, copying, packaging, shipping, office supply, passport photo, notary, fingerprinting, and related products and services, and flex retail businesses providing some of the services of standard and express retail businesses, as well as crating, pick-up and delivery services, and boxes and packaging materials (collectively the "System"); in this Agreement, each such retail business is called a "Center", collectively such retail businesses are called "Centers"; and the particular retail business authorized by this Agreement is called "the Center."
WHEREAS, Franchisor has expended time, skill, money and effort to publicize the System and the products and services offered under the System. Franchisor has developed and will continue to develop valuable goodwill in the maintenance and use of its service marks, trademarks, trade names, and trade dresses by it and its authorized franchisees, and has developed or acquired, or may develop or acquire, other service marks, trademarks, trade names, trade dresses and identifiers for use under the System, all of which trademarks, service marks, trade names, trade dresses and identifiers are, and will remain, Franchisor's sole property (collectively the "Marks").
WHEREAS, Franchisor licenses the right to use its System and its Marks in the operation of franchised Centers; and Franchisor provides continuing advice on the establishment and operation of franchised Centers to its authorized franchisees.
Source: Item 22 — Contracts (FDD pages 109–110)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Annex Brands' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the Retail Center Franchise Agreement is made and entered into at San Diego, California. This indicates that all franchise-related agreements and transactions are legally considered to occur in San Diego, California, regardless of where the franchisee is located. The franchisor, Annex Brands, Inc., is located at 7580 Metropolitan Drive, Suite 200, San Diego, California 92108.
This designation is important because it establishes the legal jurisdiction for any disputes or legal matters arising from the franchise agreement. Franchisees should be aware that any legal proceedings or interpretations of the franchise agreement will likely be governed by California law and take place in California courts. This could involve additional costs and logistical considerations for franchisees located outside of California.
Furthermore, the agreement specifies that Annex Brands has expended resources to develop a unique business system and valuable goodwill. This reinforces the franchisor's established presence and the importance of adhering to their system. The agreement also highlights Annex Brands' rights to its trademarks and service marks, emphasizing the need for franchisees to protect and properly use these assets.
In practical terms, this means that if a franchisee has any payment-related issues or disputes, the official location for resolving these matters is San Diego, California. Franchisees should factor this into their decision-making process, especially if they are located far from California, as it could impact the cost and convenience of resolving any legal or contractual issues.