Is there a choice of forum specified in the Counselor Realty Franchise Agreement?
Counselor_Realty Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
| Provision | Section(s) in Franchise or Other Agreement | Summary |
|---|---|---|
| j. Assignment of contract by franchisor | Section 9.4 | Counselor may transfer its interest in Franchise Agreement by notice to you |
| k. "Transfer" by franchisee -- definition | Section 9.1 | Includes transfer of your interest in Franchise Agreement, the Office, Business or Business assets, or an interest in your business entity or your owners |
| l. Franchisor approval of transfer by franchisee | Section 9.1 | Counselor has the right to consent to all transfers (other than a transfer of less than a majority interest in your business entity or your owners) and will consent if Counselor deems transferee qualified and conditions specified in Franchise Agreement are satisfied |
| m. Conditions for franchisor approval of transfer | Sections 9.1, 9.2 | Transferee qualifies; payment of transfer fee; payment of all amounts owing; renovation to then-current System standards; execution of guaranty by buyer's shareholders or owners |
| n. Franchisor's right of | Section 9.6 | Counselor has the right of first |
| first refusal to acquire | refusal to match any offer for your | |
| franchisee's business | Business | |
| o. Franchisor's option to | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| purchase franchisee's | ||
| business | ||
| p. Death or disability of franchisee | Section 9.3 | Decedent's (or disabled person's) executor, heir, successor or legal representative must apply for Counselor's consent to transfer within 60 days after death or incapacity, and comply with transfer provisions of Franchise Agreement |
| q. Non-competition covenants during the term of the franchise | Section 7.2 | No direct or indirect involvement in any different or competing real estate brokerage service business within 50 miles of Office; no solicitation of agents, employees or independent |
| Provision | Section(s) in Franchise or Other Agreement | Summary contractors of Counselor or any of Counselor's franchisees |
| r. Non-competition covenants after the franchise is terminated or expires | 7.2 | No solicitation of agents, employees or independent contractors of Counselor or any of Counselor's franchisees for 24- months post-termination |
| s. Modification of the agreement | Section 13.2 | No modifications generally but Franchise Policy Guidelines and licensed Marks subject to change by Counselor |
| t. Integration/merger clause | Section 13.1 | Only the terms of the Franchise Agreement are binding on Counselor |
| u. Dispute resolution by arbitration or mediation | Section 10.1 | Most disputes are resolved by individual binding arbitration conducted in Minneapolis, Minnesota |
| v. Choice of forum | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| w. Choice of law | Section 13.2 | Minnesota law applies (except Minnesota Franchises Law applies only to franchisees whose principal place of business is located in Minnesota and to whom Minnesota Franchise Act applies by its own terms) |
Source: Item 17 — RENEWAL, TERMINATION, TRANSFER AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION (FDD pages 25–29)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Counselor Realty Franchise Disclosure Document, the agreement does not specify a choice of forum. However, the document does state that most disputes are resolved by individual binding arbitration conducted in Minneapolis, Minnesota. This means that while a specific court or forum isn't chosen, the location for arbitration is predetermined.
For a prospective Counselor Realty franchisee, this means that if a dispute arises that cannot be resolved informally, it will likely be settled through binding arbitration in Minneapolis, Minnesota. This is an important consideration, as it dictates where the franchisee may need to travel for dispute resolution and which set of rules will govern the process. Arbitration is generally less formal and can be quicker and less expensive than traditional litigation, but the decision is binding and there are limited options for appeal.
It is also important to note that while the Franchise Agreement specifies arbitration in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Minnesota law applies to the agreement, except for the Minnesota Franchise Law, which applies only to franchisees whose principal place of business is located in Minnesota and to whom the Minnesota Franchise Act applies by its own terms. This means that the laws of Minnesota will generally govern the interpretation and enforcement of the Franchise Agreement, regardless of where the franchisee is located, but the Minnesota Franchise Law will only apply to franchisees operating primarily in Minnesota under the conditions specified in the Franchise Act.