factual

Is the choice of forum for litigation with Basecamp Fitness subject to state law?

Basecamp_Fitness Franchise · 2025 FDD

Answer from 2025 FDD Document

of Ownership and Management and Guaranty executed | | | | DEVELOPER: | [INSERT LEGAL NAME OF DEVELOPER] | | Date: | By: | | | | Name: | | | | Title: | |

4921-2446-7980, v. 1

CALIFORNIA ADDENDUM TO AREA DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in the Basecamp Fitness Franchisor LLC Area Development Agreement, the following provisions shall supersede and apply to all Basecamp Fitness franchises offered and sold in the state of California:

This California Addendum is only applicable if you are a resident of California or if your business will be located in California.

    1. The California Franchise Relations Act (Business and Professions Code Section 20000 through 20043), provides franchisees with additional rights concerning termination, transfer and nonrenewal of the Area Development Agreement and certain provisions of the Area Development Agreement relating to termination, transfer and non-renewal may be superseded by the Act. There may also be court decisions which may supersede the Area Development Agreement and your relationship with Franchisor, including the areas of termination and renewal of Franchisee's franchise. If the Area Development Agreement is inconsistent with the law, the law will control.
    1. The Area Development Agreement requires application of the laws and forum of Minnesota. This provision may not be enforceable under California law.
    1. The provision in the Area Development Agreement which terminates the franchise upon the bankruptcy of the Franchisee may not be enforceable under Title 11, United States Code, Section 101.
    1. The Area Development Agreement contains a covenant not to compete which extends beyond the termination of the franchise. This provision may not be enforceable under California law.
    1. The Area Development Agreement contains a liquidated damages clause. Under California Civil Code section 1671, certain liquidated damages clauses are unenforceable.
    1. The Area Development Agreement requires binding arbitration. The arbitration will occur at the office of the American Arbitration Association in Minneapolis, Minnesota. You will bear all costs of arbitration if we secure any relief against you in the arbitration, or are successful in defending a claim you bring against us in the arbitration. Prospective franchisees are encouraged to consult private legal counsel to determine the applicability of California and federal laws (such as Business and Professions Code section 20040.5, Code of Civil Procedure section 1281, and the Federal Arbitration Act) to any provisions of a franchise agreement restricting venue to a forum outside the State of California.
    1. Section 8 of the Area Development Agreement is deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:

"[Intentionally Deleted]"

  1. No statement, questionnaire, or acknowledgment signed or agreed to by Franchisee in connection with the commencement of the franchise relationship shall have the effect of (i) waiving any claims under any applicable state franchise law, including fraud in the inducement, or (ii) disclaiming reliance on any statement made by Franchisor, franchise seller, or other person acting on behalf of the Franchisor. This provision supersedes any other term of any document executed in connection with the franchise.

[SIGNATURES ON FOLLOWING PAGE]

BASECAMP FITNESS FRANCHISOR LLC Its: Its:

ILLINOIS ADDENDUM TO DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in the Basecamp Fitness Franchisor LLC Area Development Agreement, the following provisions shall supersede any inconsistent provisions and apply to all Basecamp Fitness franchises offered and sold in the state of Illinois:

    1. In conformance with Section 4 of the Illinois Franchise Disclosure Act, any provision in a franchise agreement that designates jurisdiction and venue in a forum outside of the State of Illinois is void. However, a franchise agreement may provide for arbitration to take place outside of Illinois.
      1. Illinois law governs the Area Development Agreement.
    1. Franchisee's rights upon termination and non-renewal are set forth in Sections 19 and 20 of the Illinois Franchise Disclosure Act.
    1. In conformance with section 41 of the Illinois Franchise Disclosure Act, any condition, stipulation or provision purporting to bind any person acquiring any franchise to waive compliance with the Illinois Franchise Disclosure Act or any other law of Illinois is void.
    1. No statement, questionnaire, or acknowledgment signed or agreed to by Franchisee in connection with the commencement of the franchise relationship shall have the effect of (i) waiving any claims under any applicable state franchise law, including fraud in the inducement, or (ii) disclaiming reliance on any statement made by Franchisor, franchise seller, or other person acting on behalf of the Franchisor. This provision supersedes any other term of any document executed in connection with the franchise.
    1. A Surety Bond has been obtained by the Franchisor. The Surety Bond is on file with the Office of the Illinois Attorney General. This financial assurance requirement was imposed by the Office of the Illinois Attorney General due to the Franchisor's guarantor's financial condition.

BASECAMP FITNESS FRANCHISOR LLC Its: Its:

MARYLAND ADDENDUM TO DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in the Basecamp Fitness Franchisor LLC Area Development Agreement, the following provisions shall supersede and apply to all Basecamp Fitness franchises sold to residents in the state of Maryland:

    1. Based upon the franchisor's financial condition, the Maryland Securities Commissioner has required a financial assurance. Therefore, we secured a surety bond in the amount of $291,000 from Capitol Indemnity Corporation. A copy of the bond is on file at the Maryland Office of the Attorney General, Securities Division, 200 St. Paul Place, Baltimore, Maryland 21202.
    1. Sections B and C of the Recitals to the Area Development Agreement are hereby deleted in their entirety and replaced with the following:

"[Intentionally Deleted]"

    1. Section 5 of the Area Development Agreement is revised to provide that termination upon bankruptcy might not be enforceable under the U.S. Bankruptcy Act, but Franchisor intends to enforce it to the extent enforceable.
      1. Section 9 of the Area Development Agreement is revised to include the following language:

Notwithstanding the standing provisions of this section, you may bring a lawsuit in Maryland for claims arising under the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law. Any claims under the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law must be brought within three years after the grant of the franchise.

    1. The representations made in the Area Development Agreement are not intended to nor should they act as a release, estoppel or waiver of any liability incurred under the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law.

Source: Item 17 — RENEWAL, TERMINATION, TRANSFER, AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION (FDD pages 51–55)

What This Means (2025 FDD)

According to Basecamp Fitness's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the choice of forum for litigation is subject to state law, particularly in Illinois, Maryland, Rhode Island, and Virginia. For franchisees in Illinois, any provision in a franchise agreement that designates jurisdiction and venue in a forum outside of Illinois is void, although arbitration may occur outside of the state.

For Maryland franchisees, while the franchise agreement generally requires application of Minnesota law and forum, franchisees may bring suit in Maryland for claims arising under the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law. Furthermore, any release required as a condition of renewal, sale, or transfer will not apply to the extent prohibited by Maryland law. Franchisees must bring claims under the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law within three years after the grant of the franchise.

In Rhode Island, a provision in a franchise agreement restricting jurisdiction or venue to a forum outside the state or requiring the application of the laws of another state is void with respect to a claim otherwise enforceable under the Rhode Island Franchise Investment Act. Similarly, in Virginia, while the franchise agreement may specify certain conditions for termination, those conditions may not be enforceable if they do not constitute "reasonable cause" as defined by the Virginia Retail Franchising Act. These state-specific addenda modify the standard franchise agreement to comply with local franchise laws, ensuring that franchisees retain certain rights and protections within their respective states.

Disclaimer: This information is extracted from the 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document and is provided for research purposes only. It does not constitute legal or financial advice. Consult with a franchise attorney before making any investment decisions.