factual

What is the significance of Bombs Away complying with franchise investment laws in a particular state?

Bombs_Away Franchise · 2024 FDD

Answer from 2024 FDD Document

Other states may require registration, filing, or exemption of a franchise under other laws, such as those that regulate the offer and sale of business opportunities or seller-assisted marketing plans.

RECEIPT

This disclosure document summarizes certain provisions of the franchise agreement and other information in plain language. Read this disclosure document and all agreements carefully.

If Bombs Away Franchising, LLC offers you a franchise, it must provide this disclosure document to you 14 calendar-days before you sign a binding agreement with, or make a payment to, the franchisor or an affiliate in connection with the proposed franchise sale. New York requires that you be given this disclosure document at the earlier of the first personal meeting or 10 business days before the execution of any franchise or other agreement, or payment of any consideration that relates to the franchise relationship.

If Bombs Away Franchising, LLC does not deliver this disclosure document on time or if it contains a false or misleading statement, or a material omission, a violation of federal law and state law may have occurred and should be reported to the Federal Trade Commission, Washington, D.C. 20580 and any applicable state agency (which are listed in Exhibit A).

The name, principal business address, and telephone number of each franchise seller offering the franchise is:


[Item 23: RECEIPTS]

Keep This Copy For Your Records

RECEIPT

This disclosure document summarizes certain provisions of the franchise agreement and other information in plain language. Read this disclosure document and all agreements carefully.

If Bombs Away Franchising, LLC offers you a franchise, it must provide this disclosure document to you 14 calendar-days before you sign a binding agreement with, or make a payment to, the franchisor or an affiliate in connection with the proposed franchise sale. New York requires that you be given this disclosure document at the earlier of the first personal meeting or 10 business days before the execution of any franchise or other agreement, or payment of any consideration that relates to the franchise relationship.

If Bombs Away Franchising, LLC does not deliver this disclosure document on time or if it contains a false or misleading statement, or a material omission, a violation of federal law and state law may have occurred and should be reported to the Federal Trade Commission, Washington, D.C. 20580 and any applicable state agency (which are listed in Exhibit A).

The name, principal business address, and telephone number of each franchise seller offering the franchise is:


[Item 23: RECEIPTS]

Item 23 RECEIPTS

Detachable documents acknowledging your receipt of this disclosure document are attached as the last two pages of this disclosure document.

EXHIBIT A

STATE ADDENDA TO DISCLOSURE DOCUMENT

CALIFORNIA ADDENDUM TO DISCLOSURE DOCUMENT

California limited liability companies Code, Section 31125 requires the franchisor to give the franchisee a disclosure document, approved by the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation, 14-days prior to the execution of an agreement or the solicitation of a proposed material modification of an existing agreement.

No statement, questionnaire, or acknowledgment signed or agreed to by a franchisee in connection with the commencement of the franchise relationship shall have the effect of (i) waiving any claims under any applicable state franchise law, including fraud in the inducement, or (ii) disclaiming reliance on any statement made by any franchisor, franchise seller, or other person acting on behalf of the franchisor. This provision supersedes any other term of any document executed in connection with the franchise.

THE CALIFORNIA FRANCHISE INVESTMENT LAW REQUIRES THAT A COPY OF ALL PROPOSED AGREEMENTS RELATING TO THE SALE OF THE FRANCHISE BE DELIVERED TOGETHER WITH THE OFFERING CIRCULAR.

OUR WEBSITE, www.getbombsaway.comm, HAS NOT BEEN REVIEWED OR APPROVED BY THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF FINANCIAL PROTECTION AND INNOVATYION. ANY COMPLAINTS CONCERNING THE CONTENT OF THIS WEBSITE MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF FINNANCIAL PROTECTION AND INNOVATION AT www.dfpi.ca.gov.

The registration of this franchise offering by the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation does not constitute approval, recommendation, or endorsement by the commissioner.

ALL THE OWNERS OF THE FRANCHISE WILL BE REQUIRED TO EXECUTE PERSONAL GUARANTEES. THIS REQUIREMENT PLACES THE MARITAL ASSETS OF THE SPOUSES DOMICILED IN COMMUNITY PROPERTY STATES – ARIZONA, CALIFORNIA, IDAHO, LOUISIANA, NEVADA, NEW MEXICO, TEXAS, WASHINGTON AND WISCONSIN AT RISK IF YOUR FRANCHISE FAILS.

  1. The following paragraph is added to the end of Item 3 of the Disclosure Document:

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The Franchise Agreement requires application of the laws of California. This provision may not be enforceable under California law.

  1. The following paragraph is added at the end of Item 5 of the Disclosure Document:

The California Department of Financial Protection has determined that we, the franchisor, have not demonstrated we adequately capitalized and/or that we must rely on franchise fees to fund our operations. The Commissioner has imposed a fee deferral condition, which requires that we defer the collection of all initial fees from California franchisees until we have completed all of our pre-opening obligations and you are open for business.

HAWAII ADDENDUM TO DISCLOSURE DOCUMENT

In the State of Hawaii only, this Disclosure Document is amended as follows:

THESE FRANCHISES WILL BE/HAVE BEEN FILED UNDER THE FRANCHISE INVESTMENT LAW OF THE STATE OF HAWAII. FILING DOES NOT CONSTITUTE APPROVAL, RECOMMENDATION OR ENDORSEMENT BY THE DIRECTOR OF COMMERCE AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS OR A FINDING BY THE DIRECTOR OF COMMERCE AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS THAT THE INFORMATION PROVIDED HEREIN IS TRUE, COMPLETE AND NOT MISLEADING.

THE FRANCHISE INVESTMENT LAW MAKES IT UNLAWFUL TO OFFER OR SELL ANY FRANCHISE IN THIS STATE WITHOUT FIRST PROVIDING TO THE PROSPECTIVE FRANCHISEE, OR SUBFRANCHISOR, AT LEAST SEVEN DAYS PRIOR TO THE EXECUTION BY THE PROSPECTIVE FRANCHISEE, OF ANY BINDING FRANCHISE OR OTHER AGREEMENT, OR AT LEAST SEVEN DAYS PRIOR TO THE PAYMENT OF ANY CONSIDERATION BY THE FRANCHISEE, OR SUBFRANCHISOR, WHICHEVER OCCURS FIRST, A COPY OF THE DISCLOSURE DOCUMENT, TOGETHER WITH A COPY OF ALL PROPOSED AGREEMENTS RELATING TO THE SALE OF THE FRANCHISE.

THIS DISCLOSURE DOCUMENT CONTAINS A SUMMARY ONLY OF CERTAIN MATERIAL PROVISIONS OF THE FRANCHISE AGREEMENT. THE CONTRACT OR AGREEMENT SHOULD BE REFERRED TO FOR A STATEMENT OF ALL RIGHTS, CONDITIONS, RESTRICTIONS AND OBLIGATIONS OF BOTH THE FRANCHISOR AND THE FRANCHISEE.

Registered agent in the state authorized to receive service of process:

Commissioner of Securities 335 Merchant Street Honolulu, Hawaii 96813

Registration of franchises or filings of offering circulars in other states. As of the date of filing of this Addendum in the State of Hawaii:


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RHODE ISLAND ADDENDUM TO DISCLOSURE DOCUMENT

In the State of Rhode Island only, this Disclosure Document is amended as follows:

Item 17, summary columns for (v) and (w) are amended to add the following:

Any provision in the franchise agreement restricting jurisdiction or venue to a forum outside Rhode Island or requiring the application of the laws of a state other than Rhode Island is void as to a claim otherwise enforceable under the Rhode Island Franchise Investment Act.

VIRGINIA ADDENDUM TO DISCLOSURE DOCUMENT

In the Commonwealth of Virginia only, this Disclosure Document is amended as follows:

The following statements are added to Item 17(h):

Under Section 13.1-564 of the Virginia Retail Franchising Act, it is unlawful for a franchisor to cancel a franchise without reasonable cause. If any grounds for default or termination stated in the Franchise Agreement do not constitute "reasonable cause," as that term may be defined in the Virginia Retail Franchising Act or the laws of Virginia, that provision may not be enforceable.

Under Section 13.1-564 of the Virginia Retail Franchising Act, it is unlawful for a franchisor to use undue influence to induce a franchisee to surrender any right given to him under the franchise. If any provision of the Franchise Agreement involves the use of undue influence by the franchisor to induce a franchisee to surrender any rights given to the franchisee under the franchise, that provision may not be enforceable.

Item 17(t) is amended to read as follows:

Only the terms of the Franchise Agreement and other related written agreements are binding (subject to applicable state law). Any representations or promises outside of the Disclosure Document and Franchise Agreement may not be enforceable.

WASHINGTON ADDENDUM TO DISCLOSURE DOCUMENT

In the event of a conflict of laws, the provisions of the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act, Chapter 19.100 RCW shall prevail.


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In the event of a conflict of laws, the provisions of the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act, Chapter 19.100 RCW shall prevail.

RCW 19.100.180 may supersede the franchise agreement in your relationship with the franchisor including the areas of termination and renewal of your franchise. There may also be court decisions which may supersede the franchise agreement in your relationship with the franchisor including the areas of termination and renewal of your franchise.

In any arbitration or mediation involving a franchise purchased in Washington, the arbitration or mediation site will be either in the state of Washington, or in a place mutually agreed upon at the time of the arbitration or mediation, or as determined by the arbitrator or mediator at the time of arbitration or mediation. In addition, if litigation is not precluded by the franchise agreement, a franchisee may bring an action or proceeding arising out of or in connection with the sale of franchises, or a violation of the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act, in Washington.

A release or waiver of rights executed by a franchisee may not include rights under the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act or any rule or order thereunder except when executed pursuant to a negotiated settlement after the agreement is in effect and where the parties are represented by independent counsel. Provisions such as those which unreasonably restrict or limit the statute of limitations period for claims under the Act, or rights or remedies under the Act such as a right to a jury trial, may not be enforceable.

Transfer fees are collectable if they reflect Franchisor's reasonable estimated or actual costs in effecting a transfer.


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MARYLAND ADDENDUM TO DISCLOSURE DOCUMENT

In the State of Maryland only, this Disclosure Document is amended as follows:

The following is added to Item 17:

The general release required as a condition of renewal, sale, and/or assignment/transfer shall not apply to any liability under the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law.

Any claims arising under the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law must be brought within 3 years after the grant of the franchise.

You have the right to file a lawsuit alleging a cause of action arising under the Maryland Franchise Law in any court of competent jurisdiction in the State of Maryland.

The Franchise Agreement provides for termination upon bankruptcy of the franchisee. This provision may not be enforceable under federal bankruptcy law.

(THE FOLLOWING APPLIES TO TRANSACTIONS GOVERNED BY THE MICHIGAN FRANCHISE INVESTMENT LAW ONLY)

THE STATE OF MICHIGAN PROHIBITS CERTAIN UNFAIR PROVISIONS THAT ARE SOMETIMES IN FRANCHISE DOCUMENTS. IF ANY OF THE FOLLOWING PROVISIONS ARE IN THESE FRANCHISE DOCUMENTS, THE PROVISIONS ARE VOID AND CANNOT BE ENFORCED AGAINST YOU.

Each of the following provisions is void and unenforceable if contained in any documents relating to a franchise:

  • (a) A prohibition on the right of a franchisee to join an association of franchisees.
  • (b) A requirement that a franchisee assent to a release, assignment, novation, waiver, or estoppel which deprives a franchisee of rights and protection provided in this act. This shall not preclude a franchisee, after entering into a franchise agreement, from settling any and all claims.

  • (c) A provision that permits a franchisor to terminate a franchise prior to the expiration of its term except for good cause.

Good cause shall include the failure of the franchisee to comply with any lawful provision of the franchise agreement and to cure such failure after being given written notice thereof and a reasonable opportunity, which in no event need be more than 30 days, to cure such failure.

  • (d) A provision that permits a franchisor to refuse to renew a franchise without fairly compensating the franchisee by repurchase or other means for the fair market value at the time of expiration of the franchisee's inventory, supplies, equipment, fixtures, and furnishings.

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    1. Liquidated Damages and Termination Penalties: Requiring North Dakota franchisees to consent to liquidated damages or termination penalties.
    1. Applicable Laws: Franchise agreements that specify that they are to be governed by the laws of a state other than North Dakota.
    1. Waiver of Trial by Jury: Requiring North Dakota Franchises to consent to the waiver of a trial by jury.
    1. Waiver of Exemplary and Punitive Damages: Requiring North Dakota Franchisees to consent to a waiver of exemplary and punitive damage.
    1. General Release: Franchise Agreements that require the franchisee to sign a general release upon renewal of the franchise agreement.
    1. Limitation of Claims: Franchise Agreements that require the franchisee to consent to a limitation of claims. The statute of limitations under North Dakota law applies.
    1. Enforcement of Agreement: Franchise Agreements that require the franchisee to pay all costs and expenses incurred by the franchisor in enforcing the agreement. The prevailing party in any enforcement action is entitled to recover all costs and expenses including attorney's fees.

OHIO ADDENDUM TO DISCLOSURE DOCUMENT

In the State of Ohio only, this Disclosure Document is amended by adding the following two cover pages to this Disclosure Document:

READ THIS DISCLOSURE DOCUMENT CAREFULLY

The state of Ohio has not reviewed and does not approve, recommend, endorse, or sponsor this or any franchise. If you have any questions about this franchise, the information contained in this disclosure document should be reviewed with an attorney or financial advisor before you sign any agreement.

The following disclosure document contains the disclosures required by Ohio law.

In the State of Ohio only, this Disclosure Docu

Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 36–117)

What This Means (2024 FDD)

According to Bombs Away's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, compliance with state franchise investment laws is crucial for both the franchisor and the franchisee. Several states, such as California, Hawaii, Maryland, Michigan, North Dakota, Ohio, Rhode Island, Virginia and Washington, have specific addenda that modify or supersede certain provisions of the standard franchise agreement to protect franchisees. These addenda address issues such as disclosure requirements, franchisee rights, and enforceability of contract terms. For example, California requires a 14-day disclosure period and stipulates that franchisees cannot waive claims under state franchise law. Hawaii mandates a minimum seven-day period for providing the disclosure document and all related agreements before any binding agreement is executed or consideration is paid. These regulations ensure that prospective franchisees receive adequate information and time to make informed decisions.

In states like Michigan, certain unfair provisions often found in franchise documents are rendered void and unenforceable, including prohibitions on joining franchisee associations or requirements to waive rights and protections under the Michigan Franchise Investment Law. North Dakota does not allow liquidated damages or termination penalties. Maryland ensures that general releases do not apply to liabilities under the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law and sets a three-year statute of limitations for claims. These state-specific protections are designed to balance the power dynamic between the franchisor and franchisee.

Furthermore, some states like Virginia and Washington have laws that can override the franchise agreement in certain situations. Virginia's Retail Franchising Act, for instance, makes it unlawful for a franchisor to cancel a franchise without reasonable cause or to use undue influence to induce a franchisee to surrender their rights. Washington's Franchise Investment Protection Act takes precedence over conflicting provisions in the franchise agreement, particularly concerning termination and renewal. Compliance with these laws ensures that Bombs Away operates within the legal framework of each state, providing franchisees with specific rights and remedies that may not be available under the standard franchise agreement. Therefore, understanding these state-specific addenda is essential for any prospective Bombs Away franchisee to assess the risks and benefits of investing in a franchise within a particular state.

Disclaimer: This information is extracted from the 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document and is provided for research purposes only. It does not constitute legal or financial advice. Consult with a franchise attorney before making any investment decisions.