What is the AAA Case number associated with the litigation involving Batteries Plus Bulbs?
Batteries_Plus_Bulbs Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
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Pending
Ashwant Singh et al v. Batteries Plus, LLC et al, United States District Court for the Eastern District of California, Case No. 2:24-cv-00223; AAA Case No. 01-23-0005-9286 (commenced December 14, 2023). Plaintiff, a former Batteries Plus franchisee who operated a single Store in Fairfield, California, filed this action against Batteries Plus in California Superior Court – County of Solano, alleging breach of the franchise agreement and the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing, violation of the California Franchise Investment Law, fraud and misrepresentation. Plaintiff alleges that Batteries Plus failed to provide Plaintiff with a "protected area" and prevent another franchisee from soliciting and servicing customers in Plaintiff's "market area," and made misrepresentations related to the initial investment information in Batteries Plus's FDD and revenue projections for the Store. Plaintiff seeks to rescind the Franchise Agreement and has demanded approximately $629,000 in damages, plus costs and attorneys' fees. In December 2023, Batteries Plus filed a Demand for Arbitration against Plaintiff seeking to recover lost future franchise fees in the
approximate amount of $281,000, and subsequently sought and obtained a removal of the case to United States District Court. In January 2024, Plaintiff filed an Objection to the Demand for Arbitration, an Answering Statement, and a Counterclaim, asserting the same claims that Plaintiff asserted in the state court case that Batteries Plus removed to federal court. On May 13, 2024, the federal court granted the Batteries Plus Motion to Compel Arbitration and dismissed the federal court action. The AAA appointed an Arbitrator in February 2024 and the Arbitration evidentiary hearing took place in February 2025. Just prior to the hearing, the Arbitrator bifurcated the proceedings and only took evidence on three of the Plaintiffs' claims, leaving one claim and Batteries Plus's claim for later proceedings, if necessary. As of the date of this Disclosure Document, the Arbitrator has not issued
Source: Item 3 — Litigation (FDD pages 15–16)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Batteries Plus Bulbs FDD, the AAA case number associated with the litigation involving Ashwant Singh et al v. Batteries Plus, LLC et al is 01-23-0005-9286. This case, commenced on December 14, 2023, involves a former Batteries Plus Bulbs franchisee alleging breach of contract, violation of the California Franchise Investment Law, fraud, and misrepresentation. The franchisee is seeking approximately $629,000 in damages, plus costs and attorneys' fees. Batteries Plus Bulbs has also filed a counterclaim seeking to recover lost future franchise fees in the approximate amount of $281,000.
The case was initially filed in California Superior Court but was later removed to the United States District Court. The federal court granted Batteries Plus Bulbs' motion to compel arbitration, and the AAA appointed an arbitrator in February 2024. An evidentiary hearing took place in February 2025, during which the arbitrator bifurcated the proceedings, taking evidence on only three of the plaintiff's claims and leaving one claim and Batteries Plus Bulbs' claim for later proceedings if necessary. As of the date of the 2025 Disclosure Document, the arbitrator had not yet issued a decision.
This litigation is important for prospective franchisees to consider as it provides insight into potential disputes that can arise between Batteries Plus Bulbs and its franchisees. The allegations made by the former franchisee include issues related to protected areas, misrepresentations in the FDD, and revenue projections. The outcome of this case could have implications for future franchise agreements and the relationship between Batteries Plus Bulbs and its franchisees. It is advisable for potential franchisees to seek legal counsel to fully understand the risks and obligations associated with investing in a Batteries Plus Bulbs franchise.