What specific Minnesota statutes govern the termination and non-renewal of City Publications franchises?
City_Publications Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
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- ITEM 17 of the Disclosure Document is amended as follows:
- ◼ With respect to franchises governed by Minnesota law, the Franchisor will comply with Minn. Stat. Sec. 80C.14, Subds. 3, 4 and 5 which require, except in certain specified cases, that a Franchisee be given 90 days notice of termination (with 60 days to cure) and 180 days notice of non-renewal of the Franchise Agreement.
- ◼ Item 17 does not provide for a prospective general release of claims against Franchisor which may be subject to the Minnesota Franchise Law. Minn. Rule 2860.4400D prohibits a franchisor from requiring a franchisee to assent to a general release.
- ◼ Minn. Stat. §80C.21 and Minn. Rule 2860.4400J prohibit us from requiring litigation to be conducted outside Minnesota. In addition, nothing in the Disclosure Document or Franchise Agreement can abrogate or reduce any of your rights as provided for in Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 80C, or your rights to any procedure, forum or remedies provided for by the laws of the jurisdiction.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPT (FDD pages 39–129)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to City Publications' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Minnesota franchise terminations and non-renewals are governed by specific statutes. Item 17 of the Disclosure Document is amended to reflect compliance with Minn. Stat. Sec. 80C.14, Subds. 3, 4, and 5. These statutes mandate that, except in certain specified cases, City Publications must provide franchisees with 90 days' notice of termination (with 60 days to cure) and 180 days' notice of non-renewal of the Franchise Agreement.
This amendment ensures that City Publications franchisees in Minnesota receive the legally required notices, giving them time to address any issues leading to termination or to prepare for the end of their franchise term in the case of non-renewal. The inclusion of cure periods allows franchisees an opportunity to rectify any breaches of the franchise agreement, potentially avoiding termination.
Additionally, the FDD notes that Minn. Stat. §80C.21 and Minn. Rule 2860.4400J prevent City Publications from requiring litigation to occur outside of Minnesota. The disclosure also states that the franchise agreement cannot reduce any franchisee rights as provided for in Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 80C. This provides further protection for franchisees, ensuring their rights under Minnesota law are upheld and that they have access to local legal remedies if disputes arise.