What is the statute of limitations for legal action arising from the AT&T agreement related to Crowne Plaza?

According to Crowne Plaza's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, any legal action connected to the franchise agreement must be initiated within five years of when the cause of action occurs. If a legal action is not filed within this five-year timeframe, it will be considered time-barred, meaning the right to pursue the claim is waived. This limitation applies to all legal actions related to the agreement, regardless of the specific nature of the claim.

This five-year statute of limitations is a contractual term agreed upon by both Crowne Plaza and the franchisee. The FDD explicitly states that the parties involved waive any statute of limitations to the contrary, reinforcing the importance of adhering to this specific timeframe. This waiver means that any other statutory limitation period that might otherwise apply is superseded by this agreed-upon term.

For a prospective Crowne Plaza franchisee, this means it is crucial to be aware of this five-year limitation period. Should any issues or disputes arise during the franchise term, it is essential to seek legal advice promptly and ensure that any potential legal actions are initiated within the stipulated timeframe to avoid losing the right to pursue the claim. This clause underscores the importance of careful record-keeping and timely action in addressing any legal concerns that may arise during the franchise relationship.