factual

Are there any exceptions to Tennessee law governing the Chem Dry franchise agreement in Illinois?

Chem_Dry Franchise · 2024 FDD

Answer from 2024 FDD Document

e.

FRANCHISEE CHEM-DRY, INC.
By:
Title:
Date:

ILLINOIS

This Addendum relates to franchises sold in the state of Illinois and is intended to comply with Illinois statutes and regulations. In consideration of the execution of the Franchise Agreement, CDI and Franchisee agree to amend the Agreement as follows:

  1. Sections 14 and 15 of the Agreement regarding nonrenewal and termination is amended as follows:

The conditions under which your franchise may be terminated or not renewed may be affected by Illinois law, 815 ILCS §§ 705/19 and 705/20.

  1. Section 17.G. of the Agreement is deleted in its entirety and replaced as follows:

This Agreement, the franchise, and the relationship of the parties will be governed by the internal laws of the state of Tennessee, except to the extent governed by the United States Trademark, Act of 1946 (Lanham Act, 15 U.S.C. §§ 1051 et. seq.) and except for any claims arising out of the Illinois Franchise Disclosure Act of 1987 and except that all issues relating to arbitrability or the enforcement of interpretation of the agreement to arbitrate as described in Section 15F will be governed by the United States Arbitration act (9 U.SC. § 1 et. seq.) and the Federal common law relating to arbitration.

    1. Section 17.H. of the Agreement is deleted in its entirety.
    1. Section 17.J. of the Agreement is deleted in its entirety and replaced as follows:

EXCEPT FOR FRANCHISEE'S OBLIGATION TO INDEMNIFY CDI FOR THIRD PARTY CLAIMS UNDER SECTION 7, AND EXCEPT FOR PUNITIVE DAMAGES AVAILABLE TO EITHER PARTY UNDER FEDERAL LAW, CDI AND FRANCHISEE (AND FRANCHISEE'S OWNERS) WAIVE TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW ANY RIGHT TO OR CLAIM FOR ANY PUNITIVE OR EXEMPLARY DAMAGES AGAINST THE OTHER AND AGREE THAT, IN THE EVENT OF A DISPUTE BETWEEN CDI AND FRANCHISEE, THE PARTY MAKING A CLAIM WILL BE LIMITED TO EQUITABLE RELIEF AND TO RECOVERY OF ANY ACTUAL DAMAGES IT SUSTAINS.

  1. Section 17.L. of the Agreement is deleted in its entirety and replaced as follows:

Any and all claims, except claims for monies due CDI, arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the relationship among the parties hereto, excluding any claims arising under the Illinois Franchise Disclosure Act, shall be barred unless an action or legal or arbitration proceeding is commenced within one (1) year from the date FRANCHISEE or CDI knew or should have known of the facts giving rise to such claims.

  1. The following language is added to the Agreement as the last paragraph in Section 17:

Section 41 of the Illinois Franchise Disclosure Act states that any condition, stipulation, or provision purporting to bind any person acquiring any franchise to waive compliance with any provision of the Illinois Franchise Disclosure Act is void.

    1. In conformance with Section 4 of the Illinois Franchise Disclosure Act, any provision in a franchise agreement that designates jurisdiction and venue in a forum outside of the State of Illinois is void. However, a franchise agreement may provide for arbitration to take place outside of Illinois.
    1. In all other respects, the Agreement will be construed and enforced according to its terms.

| FRANCHISEE | CHEM-DRY, INC.

Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 68)

What This Means (2024 FDD)

According to Chem Dry's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, there are exceptions to Tennessee law for franchises sold in Illinois. An addendum to the franchise agreement specifies these exceptions to comply with Illinois statutes and regulations.

Specifically, Illinois law, 815 ILCS §§ 705/19 and 705/20, may affect the conditions under which a Chem Dry franchise can be terminated or not renewed. The agreement specifies that it will be governed by Tennessee law, except to the extent governed by the United States Trademark Act, claims arising out of the Illinois Franchise Disclosure Act of 1987, and issues relating to arbitrability or the enforcement of interpretation of the agreement to arbitrate.

Furthermore, the agreement notes that any provision designating jurisdiction and venue in a forum outside of Illinois is void, although arbitration may take place outside of Illinois. Except for franchisee's obligation to indemnify CDI for third-party claims and punitive damages available under federal law, both CDI and franchisee waive any right to punitive or exemplary damages against the other and agree to be limited to equitable relief and recovery of actual damages in the event of a dispute.

Finally, any claims, except claims for monies due to CDI, arising out of the agreement, excluding claims under the Illinois Franchise Disclosure Act, must be brought within one year from when the franchisee or CDI knew or should have known of the facts giving rise to such claims. Section 41 of the Illinois Franchise Disclosure Act states that any condition purporting to bind any person acquiring any franchise to waive compliance with any provision of the Illinois Franchise Disclosure Act is void.

Disclaimer: This information is extracted from the 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document and is provided for research purposes only. It does not constitute legal or financial advice. Consult with a franchise attorney before making any investment decisions.