Who is responsible for their own attorneys' fees and expenses in a Coffee News arbitration?

According to the 2025 Coffee News Franchise Disclosure Document, in the event of arbitration between the franchisor and franchisee, each party is individually responsible for covering their own attorneys' fees and associated expenses. This means that regardless of the outcome of the arbitration, a Coffee News franchisee will need to pay their own legal counsel and any other costs they incur in preparing for and participating in the arbitration process.

This arrangement is fairly common in franchising, as it ensures that both parties bear their own legal costs, which can help to streamline the arbitration process. It also means that a franchisee needs to factor in potential legal expenses when considering the possibility of disputes with Coffee News.

It is important to note that this clause applies specifically to arbitration. Other legal proceedings might have different rules regarding the allocation of attorney's fees, so franchisees should carefully review the entire franchise agreement and consult with legal counsel to understand their rights and obligations fully. The administrative costs of the arbitration, including the cost of the arbitrator, will be shared equally by both parties.