Under Minnesota Statutes, what is Brain Balance prohibited from requiring regarding litigation?

According to Brain Balance's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Minnesota Statutes Section 80C.21 and Minnesota Rules 2860.4400(J) explicitly prohibit Brain Balance from mandating that litigation be conducted outside of Minnesota. This means that if a Brain Balance franchisee in Minnesota has a legal dispute with the company, they cannot be forced to resolve the issue in another state. This provision ensures that Minnesota franchisees have the right to pursue legal action within their own jurisdiction, providing them with certain protections under Minnesota law.

Additionally, Brain Balance is prohibited from requiring a franchisee to waive their right to a jury trial. This ensures that franchisees have the option to have their case decided by a jury of their peers, rather than solely by a judge. Furthermore, Brain Balance cannot require franchisees to consent to liquidated damages, termination penalties, or judgment notes. Liquidated damages and termination penalties are pre-determined amounts of money that a franchisee would have to pay in the event of a breach of contract or termination of the franchise agreement. Judgment notes are agreements where a franchisee consents in advance to a judgment being entered against them.

These protections afforded to Minnesota Brain Balance franchisees are designed to create a fairer balance of power between the franchisor and the franchisee. By preventing Brain Balance from imposing these specific requirements, Minnesota law aims to safeguard the rights and interests of franchisees operating within the state. This 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 for by the laws of the jurisdiction.