Does the Canine Dimensions addendum for Minnesota franchises expand on the indemnification obligations related to the use of the Marks?
Canine_Dimensions Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Despite anything to the contrary in the Franchise Agreement, the following provisions will supersede and apply to all franchises offered and sold in the State of Minnesota:
Any provision in the Franchise Agreement that would require you to assent to a release, assignment, novation or waiver that would relieve any person from liability imposed by Minnesota Statutes, Sections 80C.01 to 80C.22 will be void to the extent that such contractual provision violates such law.
Minnesota Statute Section 80C.21 and Minnesota Rule 2860.4400J prohibit the franchisor from requiring litigation to be conducted outside of Minnesota.
In addition, nothing in the Franchise Disclosure Document or Agreement can abrogate or reduce any of your rights as provided for in Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 80C, or your rights to any procedure, forum, or remedies provided for by the laws of Minnesota.
Minn.
Rule Part 2860.4400J. prohibits a franchisee from waiving his rights to a jury trial or waiving his rights to any procedure, forum, or remedies provided for by the laws of the jurisdiction, or consenting to liquidated damages, termination penalties or judgment notes.
Any provision in the Agreement which would require you to waive your rights to any procedure, forum or remedies provided for by the laws of the State of Minnesota is deleted from any Agreement relating to franchises offered and sold in the State of Minnesota; provided, however, that this paragraph will not affect the obligation in the Agreement relating to arbitration.
With respect to franchises governed by Minnesota law, we will comply with Minnesota Statute Section 80C.14, Subds. 3, 4 and 5, which require, except in certain specified cases, that you be given 90 days notice of termination (with 60 days to cure) and 180 days notice for non-renewal of the Agreement; and that consent to the transfer of the franchise will not be unreasonably withheld.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 36)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Canine Dimensions Franchise Disclosure Document, the addendum for Minnesota franchises does not expand on the indemnification obligations related to the use of the Marks. However, the addendum does state that certain provisions in the franchise agreement will be superseded for franchises offered and sold in Minnesota. Specifically, any provision that requires the franchisee to assent to a release, assignment, novation, or waiver that would relieve any person from liability imposed by Minnesota Statutes, Sections 80C.01 to 80C.22, will be void to the extent that such contractual provision violates such law.
Additionally, the addendum clarifies that nothing in the Franchise Disclosure Document or Agreement can reduce any of the franchisee's rights as provided for in Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 80C, or their rights to any procedure, forum, or remedies provided for by the laws of Minnesota. The Minnesota addendum also addresses litigation and waiving rights to a jury trial, procedure, forum, or remedies provided by Minnesota law.
While the addendum does not specifically address indemnification obligations related to the use of the Marks, it does provide important protections for franchisees in Minnesota by ensuring that their rights under Minnesota law are not diminished by the franchise agreement. A prospective franchisee should carefully review the franchise agreement and the Minnesota addendum with legal counsel to fully understand their rights and obligations.