For Canine Dimensions franchises in Minnesota, can I disclaim reliance on any statement made in connection with the commencement of the franchise relationship?
Canine_Dimensions Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
ADDENDUM TO CANINE DIMENSIONS FRANCHISING, LLC DISCLOSURE DOCUMENT FOR THE STATE OF MINNESOTA
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.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 36)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Canine Dimensions's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Minnesota law provides specific protections for franchisees. An addendum to the franchise agreement for Minnesota states that nothing in the Franchise Disclosure Document or Agreement can 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. This means that the standard franchise agreement terms are superseded by Minnesota law to protect the franchisee's rights.
Specifically, Minnesota Rule Part 2860.4400J prohibits a franchisee from waiving their rights to a jury trial or waiving their 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.
In practical terms, this addendum ensures that as a Canine Dimensions franchisee in Minnesota, you cannot be forced to waive certain legal rights or agree to terms that are against Minnesota law. This includes the right to a jury trial, specific legal procedures, and remedies available under Minnesota law. However, the obligation relating to arbitration will not be affected. This addendum provides additional protection for franchisees in Minnesota beyond the standard terms of the Canine Dimensions franchise agreement.