Can a Bumble Roofing franchisee object to personal jurisdiction in the Commonwealth of Virginia for dispute resolution?
Bumble_Roofing Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Therefore, if a claim is asserted in any legal proceeding involving Franchisee, its officers or directors and Franchisor, its officers, directors, shareholders, members, employees or Affiliates both parties agree that the venue for disputes between them shall be in the Commonwealth of Virginia and each waive any objection either may have to the personal jurisdiction of or venue in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
However, Franchisor reserves the right to file any claims it may have against Franchisee in the federal or state court where the Business is located.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 53)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Bumble Roofing's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, a franchisee waives the right to object to personal jurisdiction or venue in the Commonwealth of Virginia for legal proceedings involving the franchisee and Bumble Roofing. This means that if a claim is asserted in any legal proceeding involving the franchisee and Bumble Roofing, both parties agree that the venue for disputes will be in Virginia.
This waiver is intended to promote stability in the relationship between Bumble Roofing and its franchisees by establishing a predetermined forum for dispute resolution. However, Bumble Roofing retains the right to file claims against the franchisee in the federal or state court where the franchisee's business is located.
This clause has significant implications for prospective franchisees. By agreeing to the franchise terms, a franchisee consents to litigating disputes in Virginia, which may be inconvenient and costly if the franchisee's business is located elsewhere. Franchisees should carefully consider this provision and its potential impact on their legal rights and obligations before signing the Franchise Agreement.