For Canine Dimensions franchises in Minnesota, what happens to Franchise Agreement provisions that relieve persons from liability under Minnesota Statutes Sections 80C.01 to 80C.22?
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.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 36)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Canine Dimensions' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, any provision in the Franchise Agreement that requires a franchisee in Minnesota to release, assign, novate, or waive any rights that would relieve a person from liability under Minnesota Statutes Sections 80C.01 to 80C.22 is void. This means that Canine Dimensions cannot enforce any clause in its standard agreement that would undermine the protections provided to franchisees under Minnesota law. This addendum ensures that franchisees operating in Minnesota retain all rights and remedies granted to them by Minnesota Statutes Chapter 80C, regardless of what the standard Franchise Agreement might otherwise stipulate.
This protection is significant for prospective Canine Dimensions franchisees in Minnesota because it prevents the franchisor from using the Franchise Agreement to circumvent state laws designed to protect franchisees. For example, a standard clause requiring franchisees to waive certain legal claims against Canine Dimensions would be unenforceable in Minnesota to the extent that it violates state statutes. This ensures that franchisees have recourse to legal action and remedies available under Minnesota law if they believe their rights have been violated.
Furthermore, the FDD specifies that nothing in the Franchise Disclosure Document or the Franchise 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. This reinforces the commitment to upholding Minnesota law and preventing any contractual terms from diminishing the legal protections afforded to franchisees in the state. This provision offers additional security and assurance to franchisees that their rights under Minnesota law are fully protected and cannot be compromised by the franchise agreement.
In practical terms, this means that if a Canine Dimensions franchisee in Minnesota believes that Canine Dimensions has violated the Minnesota Franchise Act, the franchisee can pursue legal action without being hindered by contractual clauses that might otherwise limit their ability to do so. This addendum levels the playing field and ensures that franchisees are not disadvantaged by potentially overreaching terms in the standard Franchise Agreement. It is a crucial safeguard for franchisees operating within the state of Minnesota.