In legal disputes related to the C12 Group franchise, are jury trials permitted?
C12_Group Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
n 51-19-09 of the North Dakota Franchise Investment Law, the agreement shall be governed according to the laws of the State of North Dakota or a non-specified State agreed to by all parties.
North Dakota Franchise Investment Law, Section 51-19-10 prohibits a franchisee from waiving his rights to a jury trial. To the extent that this Franchise Agreement is governed by North Dakota law, any provisions to the contrary in the Franchise Agreement are hereby deemed to be deleted.
The C12 Group, LLC Print Name: Print Name: Its: Its:
WASHINGTON ADDENDUM TO THE FRANCHISE DISCLOSURE DOCUMENT, FRANCHISE AGREEMENT, AND RELATED AGREEMENTS
In the event of a conflict of laws, the provisions of the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act, Chapter 19.100 RCW will prevail.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 46)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 FDD, the C12 Group franchise agreement has specific stipulations regarding jury trials, particularly in the states of North Dakota and Minnesota. In North Dakota, the Franchise Investment Law prohibits a franchisee from waiving their right to a jury trial. Therefore, any provision in the C12 Group Franchise Agreement that contradicts this law is considered deleted to the extent that the agreement is governed by North Dakota law. Similarly, Minnesota law also protects a franchisee's right to a jury trial, ensuring that franchisees cannot waive this right.
These stipulations mean that if a C12 Group franchisee operates in North Dakota or Minnesota, they are legally entitled to a jury trial in disputes, regardless of what the standard franchise agreement might state. This protection is significant because it ensures that franchisees in these states have the opportunity to present their case to a jury of their peers, which can be advantageous in certain legal situations. It prevents C12 Group from enforcing a clause that would force a franchisee to waive this right.
For prospective C12 Group franchisees, it is crucial to understand how state-specific addenda modify the standard franchise agreement. Franchisees should be aware of their rights under the laws of their state, especially concerning dispute resolution. While the standard agreement might contain clauses that seem to limit these rights, state laws like those in North Dakota and Minnesota can override those clauses, providing additional protection for the franchisee. It would be prudent for prospective franchisees to consult with a legal professional to fully understand their rights and obligations in their specific state.