To which courts do the parties consent to jurisdiction for legal proceedings involving Better Blend?
Better_Blend Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
ense to the franchisee that is indeterminate, determined by a third party, or determined by a formula, unless the franchise agreement specifies the maximum percentage of gross monthly sales or the maximum absolute sum that the franchisee may be required to pay.
- 3. Effective Date. This Rider is effective as of the Effective Date.
Agreed to by:
FRANCHISOR: BETTER BLEND FRANCHISING, LLC By: Name: Title: Date: FRANCHISEE: By: Name: Title: Date:
**MARYLAND RIDER TO FRANCHISE AGREEMENT [**if applicable: AND MULTI-UNIT DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT]
Agreement] dated (the "Agreement"), between Better Blend Franchising, LLC, an Ohio ("BBF") and, a limited liability company ("Franchisee"). 1. Capitalized terms used but not defined in this Rider have the meanings given Definitions. in the Agreement. The "Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law" means the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law, Business Regulation Article, §14-206, Annotated Code of Maryland. 2. All representations requiring prospective Releases, Estoppels and Waivers of Liability. franchisees to assent to a release, estoppel or waiver of liability are not intended to nor shall they act as a release, estoppel or waiver of any liability incurred under the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law. The general release required as a condition of renewal shall not apply to any liability under the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law. 3. under the Maryland Franchise Registration and Statute of Limitations. Any claims arising Disclosure Law must be brought within three years after the grant of the franchise. 4. Jurisdiction. Franchisee does not waive its right to file a lawsuit alleging a cause of action arising under the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law in any court of competent jurisdiction in the State of Maryland. Agreed to by: BETTER BLEND FRANCHISING, LLC
**MINNESOTA RIDER TO FRANCHISE AGREEMENT [**if applicable: AND MULTI-UNIT DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT]
| Agreement] | dated | (the | "Agreement"), | between | Better | Blend | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Franchising, LLC, an Ohio | limited liability company ("Franchisee"). |
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 43)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
Based on the 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, the Franchise Agreement between Better Blend Franchising, LLC and the franchisee includes several state-specific riders that address jurisdiction.
Specifically, the Maryland Rider states that the franchisee does not waive their right to file a lawsuit alleging a cause of action arising under the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law in any court of competent jurisdiction in the State of Maryland. Similarly, the Rhode Island Rider indicates that any provision restricting jurisdiction or venue to a forum outside the State 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.
These riders modify the standard franchise agreement to ensure that franchisees retain their rights to pursue legal claims within their own state under the specific protections afforded by Maryland and Rhode Island franchise laws, regardless of any conflicting provisions in the main agreement. For franchisees in these states, this ensures that they can litigate disputes locally under their state's franchise laws.