Are all disputes with Apricot Lane subject to arbitration or mediation?
Apricot_Lane Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
| PROVISION | SECTION IN FRANCHISE AGREEMENT | SUMMARY |
|---|---|---|
| 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. |
Source: Item 17 — RENEWAL, TERMINATION, TRANSFER AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION (FDD pages 35–39)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Apricot Lane Franchise Disclosure Document, all disputes are subject to arbitration. Specifically, any disputes arising with Apricot Lane must be resolved through arbitration in Solano County, California, although this is subject to state law.
This means that a franchisee would be required to address disagreements through arbitration rather than pursuing a lawsuit in a traditional court setting. Arbitration typically involves presenting the case to a neutral third party who makes a binding decision. The location of the arbitration, Solano County, California, could mean added travel expenses for franchisees located elsewhere.
It is important to note that while arbitration is the primary method of dispute resolution, the FDD also mentions that litigation must occur in California, subject to the arbitration requirement. The federal, state, and local courts located in the county or judicial district in which COUNTRY VISIONS (Apricot Lane) maintains its principal offices at the time of litigation (currently, Fairfield, California) will be used. The laws governing the franchise agreement, excluding the Federal Arbitration Act and other federal laws, are those of the state where the Apricot Lane franchise is operating.