For Bonchon area development agreements in Indiana, does the Indiana Addendum allow litigation venue to be limited to New York?

According to Bonchon's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the Indiana Addendum to the Area Development Agreement specifically addresses the venue for litigation. It states that the venue for litigation will not be limited to New York, which contrasts with what is specified in Section 18.13 of the Area Development Agreement. This means that for area development agreements in Indiana, franchisees are not obligated to litigate exclusively in New York.

This provision is significant for prospective Bonchon area developers in Indiana because it allows them to pursue legal action in a venue other than New York. This could potentially reduce travel costs and make it easier to find legal representation familiar with Indiana law. It also ensures that Indiana-based area developers are not at a disadvantage due to geographical constraints in case of legal disputes with Bonchon.

It is important for prospective area developers to carefully review the Indiana Addendum in conjunction with the Area Development Agreement to fully understand their rights and obligations. This ensures clarity regarding legal proceedings and protects their interests within the state of Indiana. This addendum modifies the original agreement to comply with Indiana law, providing a more balanced legal framework for Bonchon area developers operating in Indiana.