What is the definition of 'Applicable Law' according to the Atwell Suites agreement?

According to Atwell Suites' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the agreement specifies that both parties must adhere to all relevant federal, state, and local employment laws, as well as other governmental regulations and orders. This means that Atwell Suites franchisees are responsible for understanding and complying with a wide range of legal requirements that affect their business operations. These laws and regulations can cover areas such as hiring practices, wage and hour laws, workplace safety, and consumer protection.

The Atwell Suites agreement is to be interpreted and governed by the laws of the State of Georgia. Furthermore, any legal claims, lawsuits, or actions related to the enforcement of the agreement must be pursued in the state or federal courts located in Fulton or DeKalb County, Georgia. This clause specifies that these courts have exclusive jurisdiction, meaning that no other courts are authorized to hear such cases.

For a prospective Atwell Suites franchisee, this has several implications. First, they must ensure their business operations comply with all applicable laws, which may require seeking legal counsel to fully understand their obligations. Second, in the event of a dispute with the franchisor, they will likely need to travel to Georgia to resolve the issue in court, which could increase legal costs and logistical challenges. Franchisees should carefully consider these factors and seek professional advice to assess the potential risks and costs associated with these legal requirements.