What sections of the Bft Multi-Unit Agreement regarding governing law and consent to jurisdiction are modified by this Rider?
Bft Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Governing Law; Consent to Jurisdiction. The following is added to the end of Sections 12.A (Governing Law) and 12.F (Consent to Jurisdiction) of the Multi-Unit Agreement: ; provided, however, Developer may bring a lawsuit in Maryland for claims arising under the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law. Maryland law may apply to claims arising under the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law.
Source: Item 17 — RENEWAL, TERMINATION, TRANSFER AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION (FDD pages 57–66)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Bft's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the Rider modifies sections 12.A (Governing Law) and 12.F (Consent to Jurisdiction) of the Multi-Unit Agreement. Specifically, for franchisees in Maryland, the Rider adds a provision allowing the franchisee to bring a lawsuit in Maryland for claims arising under the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law, and clarifies that Maryland law may apply to these claims.
For franchisees in North Dakota, the Rider adds a provision to Section 12.F (Consent to Jurisdiction) allowing the franchisee to bring an action in North Dakota for claims arising under the North Dakota Franchise Investment Law.
For franchisees in Rhode Island, the Rider adds to sections 12.A (Governing Law) and 12.F (Consent to Jurisdiction) that Rhode Island law will apply to claims arising under the Rhode Island Franchise Investment Act and that a provision in a multi-unit agreement restricting jurisdiction or venue to a forum outside of Rhode Island is not enforceable.