What statement regarding franchisee rights is added to the Canine Dimensions Franchise Agreement for Minnesota franchises?
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 Canine Dimensions's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, several provisions are added to the Franchise Agreement to protect franchisees in Minnesota.
The addendum specifies that any clause requiring a franchisee to waive rights or relieve liability under Minnesota Statutes Sections 80C.01 to 80C.22 is void. It also confirms that neither the Franchise Disclosure Document nor the agreement can diminish a franchisee's rights under Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 80C, or their access to legal procedures, forums, or remedies provided by Minnesota law.
Furthermore, Minnesota Rule Part 2860.4400J prohibits franchisees from waiving their right to a jury trial, access to legal procedures, or consenting to liquidated damages, termination penalties, or judgment notes. Any conflicting provisions in the agreement are deleted for Minnesota franchises, although the obligation to arbitrate remains.
Finally, Canine Dimensions will adhere to Minnesota Statute Section 80C.14, Subds. 3, 4, and 5, which mandates that franchisees receive 90 days' notice of termination (with 60 days to cure) and 180 days' notice for non-renewal, except in specific cases. Additionally, consent to franchise transfers cannot be unreasonably withheld.