What section of the Apricot Lane Franchise Agreement contains the integration/merger clause?
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. |
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, the integration/merger clause is found in Section 23.E of the Franchise Agreement. This clause, common in franchise agreements, essentially states that only the terms written within the Franchise Agreement are legally binding, although this is subject to state law.
For a prospective Apricot Lane franchisee, this means that any promises or representations made outside of the official Franchise Agreement and the disclosure document might not be enforceable. This is a critical point because verbal assurances or side agreements that are not documented in the agreement hold little legal weight.
This clause protects both the franchisee and Apricot Lane by ensuring that all obligations and agreements are clearly defined in a written contract. It prevents either party from later claiming that additional, unwritten terms should be enforced. Franchisees should ensure that all important terms and conditions are included in the written Franchise Agreement before signing.