What is the specified location for litigation involving Bumper Man franchise disputes?

According to Bumper Man's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the designated venues for litigation are the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas, Dallas Division, or the District Courts of Texas serving Dallas County, Texas. This is subject to applicable state law, meaning that depending on the specific circumstances and where the franchisee is located, these venue choices might be superseded by state regulations.

This stipulation means that if a Bumper Man franchisee ends up in a legal dispute with the franchisor, they will likely need to litigate the matter in Texas, regardless of where their franchise is located. This could present a significant burden for franchisees located far from Texas, as they would incur travel, accommodation, and potentially higher legal fees to argue their case. Franchisees should be aware of this potential requirement and factor it into their decision-making process.

Choice of forum clauses are common in franchise agreements, as they provide the franchisor with a consistent and predictable legal environment. However, franchisees should carefully consider the implications of such clauses, especially if they are located far from the designated forum. It is advisable to consult with an attorney to understand the potential costs and challenges associated with litigating a dispute in a distant jurisdiction. Franchisees may also want to inquire whether Bumper Man has ever made exceptions to this requirement in the past.