Where will arbitration or mediation take place for disputes related to the Apricot Lane franchise?
Apricot_Lane Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
| PROVISION | SECTION IN FRANCHISE AGREEMENT | SUMMARY | |
|---|---|---|---|
| r. Non-competition covenants after the franchise is terminated or expires | Section 17.B in Franchise Agreement | For 2 years after expiration or termination for any reason, you may not own or be involved in competing business within your former Territory or within 10 miles of any other Store. (Subject to state law.) | |
| s. Modification of the | Sections 23.E in | Franchise Agreement may not be amended | |
| agreement | Franchise Agreement | except in writing and agreed to by both parties. | |
| t. Integration/merger clause | Section 23.E in Franchise Agreement | Only terms of Franchise Agreement are binding (subject to state law). Any representations or promises outside of the disclosure document and franchise agreement may not be enforceable. | |
| u. Dispute resolution by | 22.A | All disputes subject to arbitration in Solano, | |
| arbitration or mediation | County, California, subject to state law. | ||
| v. Choice of forum | Section 22.C in Franchise Agreement | Subject to arbitration requirement, litigation must be in California. (Subject to state law) Federal, state, and local courts located in the county or judicial district in which COUNTRY VISIONS maintains its principal offices at the time of litigation (currently, Fairfield, California) | |
| w. Choice of law | Section 22.B | Except for Federal Arbitration Act and other federal law, the laws of the state in which in which the Apricot Lane franchised business is operating under the Franchise Agreement. | 
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Apricot Lane Franchise Disclosure Document, all disputes subject to arbitration or mediation will take place in Solano County, California. This is subject to state law.
This means that if a dispute arises between an Apricot Lane franchisee and the franchisor that cannot be resolved informally, the franchisee may be required to travel to Solano County, California, to participate in arbitration or mediation proceedings. This could involve significant travel expenses and legal fees, especially if the franchisee is located outside of California.
Additionally, any litigation, subject to the arbitration requirement, must occur in California, specifically in the federal, state, and local courts located in the county or judicial district in which COUNTRY VISIONS maintains its principal offices at the time of litigation, which is currently Fairfield, California. The choice of law, except for the Federal Arbitration Act and other federal law, is the laws of the state in which the Apricot Lane franchised business is operating under the Franchise Agreement.