Who is responsible for translating the Chatime Franchise Agreement into the language(s) of the Territory, and who bears the cost?
Chatime Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- (a) Franchisee must at its Cost: Translate this Agreement from English into the language or languages of the Territory and submit a copy of such translations to Franchisor for its approval; and
- (b) Translate the Operations Manual and the Operations Manual Addendum for use in the Territory from English into the main languages used in the Territory.
- (2) Franchisee must pay all Franchisor's Costs of translating or verifying any translation of this Agreement and any related documents or agreements into the language or languages of the Territory if such translation is required to comply with the Legal Requirements in the Territory.
- (3) If this Agreement is translated into a language other than English, the English version of this Agreement shall alone govern all matters of interpretation of this Agreement.
Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 58–262)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Chatime's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the franchisee is responsible for translating the Franchise Agreement from English into the language(s) of their territory. The franchisee must also provide a copy of the translation to Chatime for approval. Furthermore, the franchisee is responsible for translating the Operations Manual and any addenda into the main languages used within their territory.
In addition to bearing the initial translation costs, the franchisee must also cover all of Chatime's costs associated with translating or verifying any translation of the Franchise Agreement and related documents. This applies if such translation is necessary to comply with legal requirements in the territory. This means that the franchisee is fully responsible for ensuring the accuracy and legal compliance of all translated documents.
It's important to note that if the Franchise Agreement is translated into another language, the English version will still govern all matters of interpretation. This clause ensures that Chatime maintains a consistent and legally sound basis for the agreement, regardless of local language requirements. Prospective franchisees should factor in these translation costs when assessing the overall investment required to establish and operate a Chatime franchise in their chosen territory.