In Michigan, does the City Publications franchise agreement allow the franchisee to join an association of franchisees?
City_Publications Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
FOR THE STATE OF MICHIGAN
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- THE STATE OF MICHIGAN PROHIBITS CERTAIN UNFAIR PROVISIONS THAT ARE SOMETIMES IN FRANCHISE DOCUMENTS. IF ANY OF THE FOLLOWING PROVISIONS ARE IN THESE FRANCHISE DOCUMENTS, THE PROVISIONS ARE VOID AND CANNOT BE ENFORCED AGAINST YOU.
- ◼ A prohibition of the right of Franchisee to join an association of franchisees.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPT (FDD pages 39–129)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 City Publications Franchise Disclosure Document, Michigan franchisees have the right to join an association of franchisees. The FDD includes a specific addendum for the state of Michigan that addresses unfair provisions sometimes found in franchise documents.
Specifically, the addendum states that any provision prohibiting a franchisee's right to join an association of franchisees is void and cannot be enforced against the franchisee in Michigan. This ensures that City Publications franchisees in Michigan can freely associate with one another to discuss issues, negotiate with the franchisor, and protect their collective interests.
This protection is significant for prospective franchisees in Michigan, as it prevents City Publications from restricting their ability to form or participate in franchisee associations. Franchisee associations can provide valuable support, advocacy, and a collective voice for franchisees within the City Publications system.