If a dispute with Cinnabon is considered an 'Excepted Dispute', in which court must the dispute be filed?
Cinnabon Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Excepted Disputes will not be resolved through arbitration unless Lessor consents to arbitration.
Excepted Disputes will be filed exclusively in any court of general jurisdiction in Fulton County, Georgia, in the United States District Court of the
Northern District of Georgia, or such other court where Lessor has its principal place of business at the time of filing, and Lessee irrevocably consents to such court's jurisdiction over it.
Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 114–399)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Cinnabon's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, 'Excepted Disputes' are not resolved through arbitration unless Cinnabon consents to it. These disputes must be filed exclusively in specific courts.
Specifically, litigation must occur in any court of general jurisdiction in Fulton County, Georgia, the United States District Court of the Northern District of Georgia, or another court where Cinnabon has its principal place of business at the time of filing. The prospective franchisee irrevocably consents to the jurisdiction of these courts.
This means that as a Cinnabon franchisee, you are agreeing that if certain types of disputes arise (such as those involving intellectual property or payments owed to Cinnabon), you can only pursue legal action in the specified Georgia courts, regardless of where your franchise is located. This could increase your costs if you need to travel to Georgia for court proceedings.