factual

What state's laws govern the Basecamp Fitness agreement?

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and certain provisions of the Area Development Agreement relating to termination, transfer and non-renewal may be superseded by the Act.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.

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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.
    1. Section 7 of the Area Development Agreement is revised to provide that, pursuant to COMAR 02.02.08.16L, the general release required as a condition to renewal, sale or consent to assignment/transfer, shall not apply to any liability under the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law.
    1. The Development Agreement states that Minnesota law generally applies. However, the conditions under which your franchise can be terminated and your rights upon nonrenewal may be affected by Maryland law, and we will comply with that law in Maryland.
    1. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Development Agreement, nothing will prevent the Franchisee from filing suit in Maryland for claims arising under the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law.
    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.

  1. Each provision to this Addendum to the Development Agreement shall be effective only to the extent that, with respect to such provision, the jurisdictional requirements of the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law are met independently without reference to this Addendum.

BASECAMP FITNESS FRANCHISOR LLC Its: Its:

MINNESOTA 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 Minnesota:

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

    1. Minn. Stat. Section 80C.21 and Minn. Rule 2860.4400J prohibit Franchisor from requiring litigation to be conducted outside Minnesota. In addition, nothing in this Agreement can abrogate or reduce any of your rights as provided for in Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 80C or your rights to any procedure, forum or remedies provided for by the laws of the jurisdiction.
    1. Franchisor will comply with Minn. Stat. Section 80C.14, subds. 3, 4 and 5, which require, except in certain specified cases, that the Franchisee be given 90 days' notice of termination (with 60 days to cure) and 180 days' notice for nonrenewal of the Area Development Agreement.
    1. Franchisor shall not require Franchisee to assent to a release, assignment, novation or waiver that would relieve any person from liability imposed by Minnesota Statutes, Sections 80C.01 to 80C.22, provided that the foregoing shall not bar the voluntary settlement of disputes.
    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.

Franchisor: BASECAMP FITNESS FRANCHISOR LLC Its: Its:

NEW YORK 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 New York:

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

  1. Section 5 of the Area Development Agreement is revised to include the following:

In addition, Franchisee shall have the right to terminate the Area Development Agreement to the extent allowed under applicable law.

  1. Section 7 of the Area Development Agreement is revised to include the following:

Franchisor will not make an assignment except to an assignee who, in Franchisor's good faith judgment, is willing and able to assume its obligations under the Agreement.

  1. Section 9 of the Area Development Agreement is revised to include the following:

Provided, however, that all rights arising under Franchisee's favor from the provisions of Article 33 of the GBL of the State of New York and the regulations issued thereunder shall remain in force; it being the intent of this provision that the non-waiver provisions of GBL Section 687.4 and 687.5 be satisfied.

Franchisor: BASECAMP FITNESS FRANCHISOR LLC Its: Its:

NORTH DAKOTA 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 North Dakota:

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

    1. Section 6.B of the Area Development Agreement is amended to provide that the prevailing party in any enforcement action is entitled to recover all costs and expenses, including attorneys' fees.
    1. Section 6.B of the Area Development Agreement is modified to delete any requirement that franchisee consent to termination penalties or liquidated damages.
    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.

BASECAMP FITNESS FRANCHISOR LLC Its: Its:

VIRGINIA 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 Virginia:

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

  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 the 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.

Franchisor: BASECAMP FITNESS FRANCHISOR LLC Its: Its:

WASHINGTON ADDENDUM TO THE DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT AND RELATED AGREEMENTS

The provisions of this Addendum form an integral part of, are incorporated into, and modify the Franchise Disclosure Document, the franchise agreement, and all related agreements regardless of anything to the contrary contained therein. This Addendum applies if: (a) the offer to sell a franchise is accepted in Washington; (b) the purchaser of the franchise is a resident of Washington; and/or (c) the franchised business that is the subject of the sale is to be located or operated, wholly or partly, in Washington.

    1. Conflict of Laws. In the event of a conflict of laws, the provisions of the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act, chapter 19.100 RCW will prevail.

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

What This Means (2025 FDD)

According to the 2025 Basecamp Fitness Franchise Disclosure Document, the specific state law that governs the franchise agreement depends on the franchisee's location. For franchisees in Illinois, the franchise agreement is governed by Illinois law. For franchisees in Washington, in the event of conflict of laws, the provisions of the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act will prevail. For franchisees in Rhode Island, a provision in a franchise agreement restricting jurisdiction or venue to a forum outside of Rhode Island 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. For franchisees in California, the Franchise Agreement and Area Development Agreement require application of the laws and forum of Minnesota, but this provision may not be enforceable under California law.

This means that a prospective Basecamp Fitness franchisee needs to be aware of the specific addendum that applies to their state of residence or the state in which their business will be located. These addenda can modify or supersede certain provisions of the standard franchise agreement to comply with local laws. It is important to carefully review these state-specific provisions with legal counsel to understand your rights and obligations.

For example, the FDD notes that while the standard agreement might specify Minnesota law, certain states like California and Rhode Island have laws that could override this, ensuring that franchisees in those states are protected by their local franchise laws. This highlights the importance of not relying solely on the standard franchise agreement but also understanding the state-specific addenda that apply to your particular situation. Franchisees should consult with an attorney to fully understand the implications of these state-specific laws and how they affect the franchise agreement.

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.