Under what condition is Annex Brands prohibited from requiring a franchisee to waive trial by jury?

According to Annex Brands' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Annex Brands is prohibited from requiring a franchisee to waive their right to a trial by jury if the North Dakota Franchise Investment Law applies to claims arising under that specific law. This protection is specifically outlined in the North Dakota State Rider to the Franchise Agreement.

This provision means that if a franchisee in North Dakota brings a claim against Annex Brands under the North Dakota Franchise Investment Law, Annex Brands cannot force the franchisee to waive their right to have the case decided by a jury. This ensures that franchisees in North Dakota retain their full legal rights under state law, preventing Annex Brands from using the franchise agreement to limit those rights.

For a prospective Annex Brands franchisee in North Dakota, this is a significant protection. It ensures that they have the option of a jury trial for claims arising under the North Dakota Franchise Investment Law, which can be an important consideration in legal disputes. This rider reflects a commitment to compliance with North Dakota state law and provides franchisees with an additional layer of legal security.