Can a Belocal franchisee in Minnesota be required to consent to a claims period that differs from the statute of limitations under Minnesota law?

According to Belocal's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, any provision in the franchise agreement that requires a franchisee in Minnesota to consent to a claims period that differs from the statute of limitations period under Minnesota law may not be enforceable. This is to protect the franchisee's rights under Minnesota law.

This means that Belocal cannot force a Minnesota franchisee to agree to a shorter or different time frame for bringing legal claims than what is allowed by Minnesota statutes. The applicable statute is Minn. Stat § 80C.17, Subd. 5.

This provision ensures that Minnesota franchisees retain their full legal rights and protections under state law, preventing Belocal from imposing contractual terms that could unfairly limit their ability to pursue legal remedies. Prospective franchisees should consult with an attorney to fully understand their rights and the implications of this clause.