What is the deadline for conducting the arbitration hearing after the demand for arbitration for a Beard Papas franchise?
Beard_Papas Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
In connection with binding arbitration, you agree that:
- (i) All matters relating to arbitration, will be governed by the United States Federal Arbitration Act, except as expressly or otherwise set forth in this Agreement;
- (ii) The arbitration hearing shall be conducted within 180 days of the demand for arbitration;
- (iii) The arbitrator shall render written findings of fact and conclusions of law;
- (iv) Except as may be otherwise required and/or prohibited by this Agreement, the arbitrator has the right to award or include in his or her award any relief that he or she determines to be proper, including monetary damages, interest on unpaid sums, specific performance, injunctive relief, attorneys' fees, and costs and expenses as allowable under this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, under no circumstance shall the Arbitrator be authorized to award or declare the Licensed Marks to be generic or invalid; and
- (v) Judgment upon the arbitrator's award may be entered in any court of competent jurisdiction.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 58–275)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Beard Papas Franchise Disclosure Document, the arbitration hearing must be conducted within 180 days of the demand for arbitration. This requirement is part of the agreement between Beard Papas and the franchisee regarding binding arbitration. This timeline is designed to ensure that disputes are resolved in a timely manner.
This means that once a franchisee formally requests arbitration, the arbitration hearing itself must take place within six months. This timeframe helps to prevent drawn-out legal battles and provides a clear expectation for how quickly the arbitration process will move. It is important for prospective franchisees to understand this timeline, as it affects how quickly they can expect a resolution to any disputes that may arise with Beard Papas.
It is also important to note that all matters relating to arbitration will be governed by the United States Federal Arbitration Act, except as expressly set forth in the agreement. The arbitrator is required to provide written findings of fact and conclusions of law. The arbitrator has the right to award relief, including monetary damages, interest, specific performance, injunctive relief, attorneys' fees, and costs and expenses, but cannot declare the licensed marks to be generic or invalid. Judgment upon the arbitrator's award may be entered in any court of competent jurisdiction.