For Chicken Guy! developers in Rhode Island, is a faxed or electronically transmitted signature page of the Addendum considered valid?
Chicken_Guy Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- 1. The provisions of this Addendum form an integral part of, and are incorporated into, the Development Agreement. This Addendum is being executed because: (A) the offer or sale of a franchise to Developer was made in the State of Rhode Island; (B) Developer is a resident of the State of Rhode Island; and/or (C) part or all of the Development Territory is located in the State of Rhode Island.
- 2. The following language is added to Section 22.D:
- Section 19-28.1-14 of the Rhode Island Franchise Investment Act provides that "A provision in a franchise agreement restricting jurisdiction or venue to a forum outside this state or requiring the application of the laws of another state is void with respect to a claim otherwise enforceable under this Act."
- 3. Any capitalized terms that are not defined in this Addendum shall have the meaning given them in the Development Agreement. Except as expressly modified by this Addendum, the Development Agreement remains unmodified and in full force and effect. This Addendum may be executed in multiple counterparts, each of which when executed and delivered shall be deemed an original and all of which together shall constitute one and the same agreement. Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page of this Addendum by facsimile and any other electronic transmission (including PDF) shall be as effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Addendum.
Source: Item 17 — RENEWAL, TERMINATION, TRANSFER AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION (FDD pages 40–46)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Chicken Guy's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, for developers in Rhode Island, a signature page of the Addendum delivered by facsimile or other electronic transmission is considered as effective as a manually executed counterpart. This applies specifically to the Addendum to the Development Agreement required for Rhode Island franchisees.
This means that Chicken Guy franchisees in Rhode Island do not necessarily need to physically mail or deliver a hard copy of the signed addendum. Sending a scanned copy via email or a faxed copy is sufficient to meet the legal requirements for a valid signature.
This clause simplifies the execution process, potentially saving time and resources for both the franchisee and Chicken Guy. It aligns with modern business practices that increasingly rely on electronic communication for document management and legal compliance.