Under what conditions can the terms or covenants of the Canine Dimensions agreement be waived?
Canine_Dimensions Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
pon Termination and Non-Renewal of an agreement are set forth in sections 19 and 20 of the Illinois Franchise Disclosure Act.
In conformance with section 41 of the Illinois Franchise Disclosure Act, any condition, stipulation or provision purporting to bind any person acquiring any franchise to waive compliance with the Illinois Franchise Disclosure Act or any other law of Illinois is void.
No statement, questionnaire, or acknowledgment signed or agreed to by a franchisee in connection with the commencement of the franchise relationship shall have the effect of (i) waiving any claims under any applicable state franchise law, including fraud in the inducement, or (ii) disclaiming reliance on any statement made by any franchisor, franchise seller, or other person acting on behalf of the franchisor. This provision supersedes any other term of any document executed in connection with the franchise.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have duly executed, sealed and delivered this Addendum dated this day of, 20 ATTEST CANINE DIMENSIONS FRANCHISING, LLC By: Witness Name: FRANCHISEE:
FOR THE STATE OF IOWA
Any provision in the Franchise Agreement or Franchisee Disclosure Acknowledgement Statement which would require you to prospectively assent to a release, assignment, novation, waiver or estoppel which purports to relieve any person from liability imposed by the Iowa Business Opportunity Promotions Law (Iowa Code Ch. 551A) is void to the extent that such provision violates such law.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 36)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Canine Dimensions' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the ability to waive compliance with the franchise agreement is limited, particularly concerning state franchise laws. In Illinois and Iowa, any provision that requires a franchisee to waive compliance with the Illinois Franchise Disclosure Act or the Iowa Business Opportunity Promotions Law is void. This protects franchisees from unknowingly giving up their rights under these state laws. Similarly, in Minnesota, any provision requiring a franchisee to waive rights to procedures, forums, or remedies provided by Minnesota law is deleted from the agreement, although this does not affect obligations related to arbitration. These stipulations ensure that franchisees retain their legal protections and rights within these states, regardless of what the standard franchise agreement might otherwise state.
Specifically, in Minnesota, the FDD states that any provision that would require a franchisee 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. Additionally, Minnesota Statute Section 80C.21 and Minnesota Rule 2860.4400J prohibit Canine Dimensions from requiring litigation to be conducted outside of Minnesota. These protections ensure that franchisees operating in Minnesota are not subjected to unfair legal burdens or waivers of their statutory rights.
These state-specific addenda highlight the importance of franchisees understanding the legal landscape in their operating state. While the Canine Dimensions franchise agreement is a legal document, certain provisions may be superseded by state laws designed to protect franchisees. Prospective franchisees should carefully review these addenda and consult with legal counsel to fully understand their rights and obligations, ensuring they are aware of any waivers or releases they might be asked to sign and the implications of those waivers under local laws.