What is the geographic limit, in miles, from Canine Dimensions' headquarters where arbitration must be conducted?
Canine_Dimensions Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
the state of Florida to which this Agreement or the parties' relationship would not otherwise be subject.
24.2 Venue
Subject to, and without affecting any other provisions of this Agreement, including the provisions regarding dispute resolution and arbitration in this Agreement, any cause of action, claim, suit or demand allegedly arising from or related to the terms of this Agreement or the relationship of the parties must be brought in a court of competent jurisdiction in the State of Florida in the judicial district in which Franchisor has its principal place of business. Both parties irrevocably submit themselves to, and consent to, the exclusive jurisdiction of said courts. Franchisee expressly waives the right to seek a transfer of venue to a forum other than the one stated in this Agreement. The provisions of this Section will survive the termination of this Agreement. Franchisee is aware of the business purposes and needs underlying the language of this Paragraph, and with complete understanding, agrees to be bound in the manner set forth.
24.3 Rights Cumulative
No right or remedy conferred upon or reserved to Franchisor or Franchisee by this Agreement is intended to be, nor shall be deemed, exclusive of any other right or remedy herein or by law or equity provided or permitted, but each shall be cumulative of every other right or remedy.
25. ACKNOWLEDGMENT
Franchisee acknowledges that it received the disclosure document required by the Trade Regulation Rule of the Federal Trade Commission entitled "Disclosure Requirements and Prohibitions Concerning Franchising and Business Opportunity Ventures" at least fourteen (14) calendar days prior to the Effective Date.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have duly executed, sealed, and delivered this Agreement on the day and year first above written.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 36)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
Based on the 2025 Canine Dimensions Franchise Disclosure Document, the agreement specifies that any legal action must occur in Florida, within the judicial district where Canine Dimensions has its primary business location. However, an addendum for Illinois franchisees voids any franchise agreement provision that designates jurisdiction and venue outside of Illinois. The addendum does clarify that arbitration may still occur outside of Illinois, despite the legal venue restrictions. Similarly, for Minnesota franchisees, the Franchise Agreement cannot force them to litigate outside of Minnesota. These stipulations suggest that while Canine Dimensions prefers Florida as the venue, state laws can override this, especially concerning litigation. The FDD does not specify a mileage limit from Canine Dimensions' headquarters for arbitration proceedings. Therefore, the location of arbitration may depend on the franchisee's state and applicable state laws, potentially requiring arbitration to occur within the franchisee's state rather than near the Canine Dimensions headquarters. A prospective franchisee should clarify with Canine Dimensions where arbitration would be held, considering their state of residence and any potential conflicts with the franchise agreement.