Does Minnesota law allow Better Blend to require litigation to be conducted outside of Minnesota?
Better_Blend Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
MINNESOTA ADDENDUM TO DISCLOSURE DOCUMENT
In the State of Minnesota only, this Disclosure Document is amended as follows:
- Minnesota Statutes, Section 80C.21 and Minnesota Rules 2860.4400(J) prohibit the franchisor from requiring litigation to be conducted outside Minnesota, requiring waiver of a jury trial, or requiring the franchisee to consent to liquidated damages, termination penalties or judgment notes. In addition, nothing in the Franchise Disclosure Document or agreement(s) can abrogate or reduce (1) any of the franchisee's rights as provided for in Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 80C or (2) franchisee's rights to any procedure, forum, or remedies provided for by the laws of the jurisdiction.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 43–157)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
According to Better Blend's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, Minnesota Statutes, Section 80C.21 and Minnesota Rules 2860.4400(J) explicitly prohibit Better Blend from requiring that litigation be conducted outside of Minnesota for franchises governed by Minnesota law. This amendment to the disclosure document applies specifically to franchisees operating in the state of Minnesota.
This means that if a Better Blend franchisee in Minnesota has a legal dispute with the company that results in litigation, the franchisee cannot be forced to litigate the matter in a court outside of Minnesota. This provision ensures that Minnesota franchisees have the right to resolve legal issues within their own state, which can reduce costs and logistical burdens associated with out-of-state litigation.
Furthermore, the Minnesota addendum also states that nothing in the Franchise Disclosure Document or agreements can reduce any of the franchisee's rights as provided for in Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 80C, or the franchisee's rights to any procedure, forum, or remedies provided by the laws of the jurisdiction. This provides additional protection for Minnesota franchisees, ensuring that their legal rights and options are fully preserved under Minnesota law.