For Canine Dimensions franchises in Minnesota, what is the effect of signing a questionnaire in connection with the commencement of the franchise relationship regarding disclaiming reliance on any statement?
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.
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 Canine Dimensions' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Minnesota law provides specific protections for franchisees. For franchises offered and sold in Minnesota, any provision in the Franchise Agreement that would require a franchisee to waive rights relieving any person from liability imposed by Minnesota Statutes, Sections 80C.01 to 80C.22 is void if it violates such law.
Specifically, Minnesota law prohibits a franchisee from waiving their rights to a jury trial, waiving rights to any procedure, forum, or remedies provided by Minnesota law, or consenting to liquidated damages, termination penalties, or judgment notes. Any agreement provision requiring a waiver of rights to procedures, forums, or remedies under Minnesota law is deleted from agreements related to franchises offered and sold in Minnesota. This does not affect obligations related to arbitration.
Furthermore, Minnesota Statute Section 80C.21 and Minnesota Rule 2860.4400J prohibit Canine Dimensions from requiring litigation to be conducted outside of Minnesota. Nothing in the Franchise Disclosure Document or agreement can reduce any rights provided in Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 80C, or rights to any procedure, forum, or remedies provided by Minnesota law.
For Canine Dimensions franchises governed by Minnesota law, the franchisor must comply with Minnesota Statute Section 80C.14, Subds. 3, 4, and 5, which generally require 90 days' notice of termination (with 60 days to cure) and 180 days' notice for non-renewal. Consent to the transfer of the franchise will also not be unreasonably withheld.