What New York law governs the sale of Canopy Lawn Care franchises?
Canopy_Lawn_Care Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
NEW YORK ADDENDUM TO FRANCHISE AGREEMENT
To the extent the New York General Business Law, Article 33, §§680 - 695 applies, the terms of this Addendum apply.
- Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in the Franchise Agreement, to the extent that the Franchise Agreement contains provisions that are inconsistent with the following, such provisions are hereby amended:
Any provision in the Franchise Agreement that is inconsistent with the New York General Business Law, Article 33, Section 680 - 695 may not be enforceable.
Any provision in the Franchise Agreement requiring franchisee to sign a general release of claims against franchisor does not release any claim franchisee may have under New York General Business Law, Article 33, Sections 680-695.
The New York Franchise Law shall govern any claim arising under that law.
Source: Item 17 — RENEWAL, TERMINATION, TRANSFER AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION (FDD pages 45–47)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Canopy Lawn Care's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the sale of franchises in New York is governed by the New York General Business Law, Article 33, §§680 - 695. This law applies to the extent that the New York Addendum's terms are relevant.
Specifically, the FDD states that any provision in the Franchise Agreement that is inconsistent with the New York General Business Law, Article 33, Sections 680-695 may not be enforceable. Furthermore, any provision requiring a franchisee to sign a general release of claims against Canopy Lawn Care does not release any claim the franchisee may have under the same New York General Business Law. The New York Franchise Law governs any claim arising under that law.
This means that prospective Canopy Lawn Care franchisees in New York have certain legal protections and rights under New York law that cannot be waived or superseded by the standard franchise agreement. Canopy Lawn Care must comply with these laws when offering and selling franchises in New York.