If legal proceedings are not subject to arbitration with Chocolate Fish Coffee, where will they take place?

According to Chocolate Fish Coffee's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, legal proceedings not subject to arbitration will occur in specific courts depending on jurisdiction. The primary venue is the District Court of the United States in the district where Chocolate Fish Coffee's headquarters is located. Currently, the headquarters is in Sheridan, Wyoming, so the legal proceedings would likely take place in the District Court of the United States for the district of Wyoming.

However, if the federal court lacks jurisdiction, the legal proceedings will occur in the state courts of the state and county where Chocolate Fish Coffee's headquarters is located. As the headquarters is in Sheridan, Wyoming, this would mean the state courts of Wyoming, specifically in Sheridan County. This ensures that there is a legal venue available regardless of jurisdictional issues at the federal level.

This provision is subject to applicable state law, meaning that these forum choices might be affected by specific state laws that could override or modify these terms. Prospective franchisees should be aware of the location of Chocolate Fish Coffee's headquarters and understand the implications of litigating in either federal or state courts in Wyoming, as this could involve additional travel and legal costs depending on where the franchisee is located.