What court has jurisdiction over legal actions related to the City Wide release agreement?

According to City Wide's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, any legal action to enforce the terms and conditions of the release agreement must be brought in the appropriate state or federal court covering Johnson County, Kansas. This means that if a franchisee or City Wide needs to sue to enforce the release, they must do so in a court located within Johnson County, Kansas, and that court must have the proper jurisdiction to hear the case.

This clause is important for prospective franchisees to understand because it dictates where they may have to travel and hire legal representation if a dispute arises regarding the release. Johnson County, Kansas, may be inconvenient for franchisees located in other states. Franchisees should consider this potential burden when evaluating the franchise opportunity.

It is common for franchise agreements to include choice of law and forum selection clauses like this, as they provide clarity and predictability regarding dispute resolution. However, franchisees should carefully consider the implications of these clauses and whether they are comfortable with the designated jurisdiction. Franchisees should also be aware that the release agreement does not waive any liability City Wide may have under the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act, RCW 19.100, and the rules adopted thereunder.