Under what organization's auspices will mediation be conducted for Canine Dimensions?
Canine_Dimensions Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
23.6 Mediation.
All claims or disputes between Franchisee and Franchisor or its affiliates arising out of, or in any way relating to, this Agreement, or any of the parties' respective rights and obligations arising out of this Agreement, shall be submitted first to mediation prior a hearing in binding arbitration or a trial court proceeding. The mediation will be conducted under the auspices of the AAA in accordance with AAA's Commercial Mediation Rules then in effect. The parties shall select a mediator according to the procedures specified in those rules. Franchisee may not commence any action against Franchisor or Franchisor's affiliates with respect to any such claim or dispute in any court unless mediation proceedings have been terminated either: (i) as the result of a written declaration of the mediator(s) that further mediation efforts are not worthwhile; or (ii) as a result of a written declaration by Franchisor. The parties shall each bear their own costs of mediation and shall share equally the filing fee imposed by AAA and the mediator's fees. Franchisor reserves the right to specifically enforce its right to mediation. Prior to mediation, and before commencing any legal action against Franchisor or Franchisor's affiliates with respect to any such claim or dispute, Franchisee must submit a notice to Franchisor, which specifies in detail, the precise nature and grounds of such claim or dispute. The parties agree that such mediation shall be conducted within five (5) miles of Franchisor's headquarters.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 36)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Canine Dimensions' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, mediation will be conducted under the auspices of the AAA, which likely refers to the American Arbitration Association. This mediation will follow the AAA's Commercial Mediation Rules that are in effect at the time of the mediation. The parties involved, Canine Dimensions and the franchisee, are expected to select a mediator according to the procedures outlined in those rules.
Before starting any legal action against Canine Dimensions, a franchisee must first submit to mediation. This process can only be bypassed if the mediator declares further efforts are not worthwhile or if Canine Dimensions provides a written declaration. Each party is responsible for their own mediation costs, but they will share the filing fee imposed by the AAA and the mediator's fees equally.
Canine Dimensions retains the right to specifically enforce its right to mediation. Furthermore, prior to mediation, the franchisee must provide Canine Dimensions with a detailed notice specifying the nature and grounds of their claim or dispute. The mediation is to be conducted within five miles of Canine Dimensions' headquarters, indicating a preference for a location convenient to the franchisor.