Besides the franchisee, who else is included in the scope of individuals and entities whose claims arising from the relationship with Cream are governed by Ohio law?
Cream Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Except to the extent governed by the United States Trademark Act of 1946 (Lanham Act, 15 U.S.C. Sections 1051 et seq.), or other United States federal law, this Agreement and any related agreements, the franchise for your Shop, and all claims arising from the relationship between us or any of our affiliates (and our and their respective owners, officers, directors, agents, representatives and employees), and you (and your owners, guarantors, affiliates, and employees), will be governed by the laws of the State of Ohio, without regard to its conflict of laws rules. Any state law regulating the offer or sale of franchises or governing the relationship of a franchisor and its franchisee, including the terms set forth on Attachment F (as applicable), will not apply unless the jurisdictional requirements of such state law are met independently without reference to this Section.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 61–192)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Cream's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the governing law for the franchise agreement is the law of the state of Ohio. This applies to Cream and its affiliates, along with their respective owners, officers, directors, agents, representatives, and employees. It also applies to the franchisee, their owners, guarantors, affiliates, and employees.
This means that any legal claims arising from the relationship between Cream and the franchisee, or between these related parties, will be subject to Ohio law, except to the extent governed by the United States Trademark Act of 1946 or other United States federal law. This could include disputes over the franchise agreement, the operation of the Cream shop, or any other aspect of the franchise relationship.
However, any state law regulating the offer or sale of franchises or governing the relationship of a franchisor and its franchisee will not apply unless the jurisdictional requirements of such state law are met independently without reference to this section.