Are modifications to the Deck Medic franchise agreement effective in all jurisdictions?
Deck_Medic Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
or hiring any employee of a franchisee of the same franchisor or (ii) soliciting or hiring any employee of the franchisor. As a result, any such provisions contained in the Franchise Agreement or elsewhere are void and unenforceable in Washington.
- 8. No statement, questionnaire or acknowledgement signed or agreed to by a franchisee in connection with the commencement of the franchise relationship shall have the effect of: (i) waiving any claims under any applicable state franchise law, including fraud in the inducement, or (ii) disclaiming reliance on any statement made by any franchisor, franchise seller, or other person acting on behalf of the franchisor. This provision supersedes any other term of any document executed in connection with the franchise.
Wisconsin FDD Amendment Amendments to the Deck Medic Franchise Disclosure Document
Item 17, "Renewal, Termination, Transfer and Dispute Resolution," Item 17 is supplemented by the addition of the following:
The Wisconsin Fair Dealership Law Title XIV-A Ch. 135, Section 135.01-135.07 may affect the termination provision of the Franchise Agreement.
STATE SPECIFIC AMENDMENTS TO FRANCHISE AGREEMENT
CALIFORNIA FRANCHISE AGREEMENT AMENDMENT
Amendments to the Deck Medic, Inc. Franchise Agreement
In recognition of the requirements of California Franchise Investment Law, California Corporations Code Sections 31000 through 31516, the undersigned agree to the following modifications to the Deck Medic, Inc. Franchise Agreement (the "Franchise Agreement") as follows:
No statement, questionnaire or acknowledgement signed or agreed to by a franchisee in connection with the commencement of the franchise relationship shall have the effect of: (i) waiving any claims under any applicable state franchise law, including fraud in the inducement, or (ii) disclaiming reliance on any statement made by any franchisor, franchise seller, or other person acting on behalf of the franchisor. This provision supersedes any other term of any document executed in connection with the franchise.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have duly executed and delivered this California Amendment to the Deck Medic, Inc. Franchise on the same date as the Franchise Agreement was executed.
| Franchisor: Deck Medic, Inc. | Franchisee: | |
|---|---|---|
| By: | Signature | |
| Signature | ||
| Name and Title (please print) | Name (please print) | |
| Dated | Dated |
HAWAII FRANCHISE AGREEMENT AMENDMENT
Amendments to the Deck Medic Franchise Agreement:
In recognition of the requirements of the Hawaii Franchise Investment Law, the undersigned agree to the following modifications to Deck Medic, Inc. Franchise Agreement (the "Franchise Agreement"), as follows:
- Sub-Article 14.C.(6). Sub-article 14.C.(6), under the Article section titled "Conditions for Approval of Transfer," is supplemented by the addition of the following language:
; provided, however, that all rights enjoyed by Franchisee and any causes of action arising in Franchisee's favor from the provisions of the Hawaii Franchise Investment Law, shall remain in force; it being the intent of this provision that the non-waiver provisions of the Hawaii Franchise Investment Law be satisfied; and
The Hawaii Franchise Investment Law provides rights to the franchisee concerning non-renewal, termination and transfer of the Franchise Agreement. If this Sub-article contains a provision that is inconsistent with the Hawaii Franchise Investment Law, the Hawaii Franchise Investment Law will control.
- Sub-Article 15.B.(8). Sub-article 15.B.(8), under the Article section titled "Conditions for Renewal," is supplemented by the addition of the following:
; provided, however, that all rights enjoyed by Franchisee and any causes of action arising in Franchisee's favor from the provisions of the Hawaii Franchise Investment Law, shall remain in force; it being the intent of this provision that the non-waiver provisions of the Hawaii Franchise Investment Law be satisfied; and
The Hawaii Franchise Investment Law provides rights to the franchisee concerning non-renewal, termination and transfer of the Franchise Agreement. If this subarticle contains a provision that is inconsistent with the Hawaii Franchise Investment Law, the Hawaii Franchise Investment Law will control.
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- Each provision of this amendment shall be effective only to the extent, with respect to such provision, that the jurisdictional requirements of the Hawaii Franchise Investment Law are met independently without reference to this amendment.
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- No statement, questionnaire or acknowledgement signed or agreed to by a franchisee in connection with the commencement of the franchise relationship shall have the effect of: (i) waiving any claims under any applicable state franchise law, including fraud in the inducement, or (ii) disclaiming reliance on any statement made by any franchisor, franchise seller, or other person acting on behalf of the franchisor. This provision supersedes any other term of any document executed in connection with the franchise.
[SIGNATURE PAGE TO FOLLOW]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have duly executed and delivered this Hawaii State amendment to Deck Medic, Inc. Franchise Agreement on the same date as the Franchise Agreement was executed.
| Franchisor: Deck Medic, Inc. | Franchisee: | |
|---|---|---|
| By: | Signature | |
| Signature | ||
| Name and Title (please print) | Name (please print) | |
| Dated | Dated |
ILLINOIS FRANCHISE AGREEMENT AMENDMENT
Amendments to the Deck Medic Franchise Agreement:
In recognition of the requirements of the Illinois Franchise Disclosure Act, 815 ILCS 705/1 to 705/45, and Ill. Admin. Code tit. 15, §200.100 et seq., the undersigned agree to the following modifications to Deck Medic, Inc. Franchise Agreement (the "Franchise Agreement") and, if Franchisor and Franchisee both sign Deck Medic, Inc., as follows:
- Article 18.F. of the Franchise Agreement, under the heading "Governing Law", shall be amended by the addition of the following statement added after the end of the last sentence of Article 18.F. of the Franchise Agreement:
Illinois Addendum: Illinois law governs the Franchise Agreement.
In conformance with Section 4 of the Illinois Franchise Disclosure Act, any provision in a franchise agreement that designates jurisdiction and venue in a forum outside of the State of Illinois is void. However, a franchise agreement may provide for arbitration to take place outside of Illinois.
Franchisee's rights upon Termination and Non-Renewal are set forth in Sections 19 and 20 of the Illinois Franchise Disclosure Act.
In conformance with Section 41 of the Illinois Franchise Disclosure Act, any condition, stipulation or provision purporting to bind any person acquiring any franchise to waive compliance with the Illinois Franchise Disclosure Act, or any other law of Illinois is void.
- Article 18.G. of the Franchise Agreement, under the heading "Choice of Law, Non-Binding Mediation, Binding Arbitration, and Consent to Jurisdiction", shall be amended by the addition of the following statement added after the end of the last sentence of Article 18.G. of the Franchise Agreement:
Illinois Addendum: Illinois law governs the Franchise Agreement.
In conformance with Section 4 of the Illinois Franchise Disclosure Act, any provision in a franchise agreement that designates jurisdiction and venue in a forum outside of the State of Illinois is void. However, a franchise agreement may provide for arbitration to take place outside of Illinois.
Franchisee's rights upon Termination and Non-Renewal are set forth in Sections 19 and 20 of the Illinois Franchise Disclosure Act.
In conformance with Section 41 of the Illinois Franchise Disclosure Act, any condition, stipulation or provision purporting to bind any person acquiring any franchise to waive compliance with the Illinois Franchise Disclosure Act, or any other law of Illinois is void.
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- No statement, questionnaire or acknowledgment signed or agreed to by a franchisee in connection with the commencement of the franchise relationship shall have the effect of: (i) waiving any claims under any applicable state franchise law, including fraud in the inducement, or (ii) disclaiming reliance on behalf of the Franchisor. This provision supersedes any other term of any document executed in connection with the franchise.
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- Each provision of this amendment shall be effective only to the extent, with respect to such provision, that the jurisdictional requirements of the Illinois Franchise Disclosure Act (815 ILCS 705/1 to 705/45) are met independently without reference to this amendment.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have duly executed and delivered this Illinois amendment to Deck Medic, Inc. Franchise Agreement on the same date as the Franchise Agreement was executed.
| Franchisor: Deck Medic, Inc. | Franchisee: | | |---------------------------------|---------------------|--| | By: | Signature | | | Signature | | | | Name and Title (please print) | Name (please print) | | | Dated | Dated Signature Name (please print) Dated | |
MARYLAND FRANCHISE AGREEMENT AMENDMENT
Amendments to the Deck Medic Franchise Agreement:
In recognition of the requirements of the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law, the parties to the attached Deck Medic, Inc. Franchise Agreement (the "Franchise Agreement"), as follows:
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- The franchise agreement provides that disputes are resolves through arbitration. A Maryland franchise regulation states that it is an unfair or deceptive practice to require a franchisee to waive its right to file a lawsuit in Maryland claiming a violation of the Maryland Franchise Law. In light of the Federal Arbitration Act, there is some dispute as to whether this forum selection requirement is legally enforceable.
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- The general release required as a condition of renewal, sale, and/or assignment/transfer shall not apply to any liability under the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law.
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- Article 18.G. of the Franchise Agreement, under the heading "Choice of Law, Non-Binding Mediation, Binding Arbitration, and Consent to Jurisdiction," shall be amended by the addition of the following statement added to Article 18.G. of the Franchise Agreement:
A franchisee may bring a lawsuit in Maryland for claims arising under the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law.
- Article 18.I. of the Franchise Agreement, under the heading "Limitations of Claims," shall be amended by the addition of the following statement added to Article 18.I. of the Franchise Agreement:
Any claims arising under the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law must be brought within three years after the grant of the franchise.
A general release required as a condition of renewal, sale and/or assignment or transfer of a Franchise Agreement shall not apply to any liability under the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law.
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- Each provision of this amendment shall be effective only to the extent, with respect to such provision, that the jurisdictional requirements of the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law are met independently without reference to this amendment.
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- No statement, questionnaire or acknowledgement signed or agreed to by a franchisee in connection with the commencement of the franchise relationship shall have the effect of: (i) waiving any claims under any applicable state franchise law, including fraud in the inducement, or (ii) disclaiming reliance on any statement made by any franchisor, franchise seller, or other person acting on behalf of the franchisor. This provision supersedes any other term of any document executed in connection with the franchise.
[SIGNATURE PAGE TO FOLLOW]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have duly executed and delivered this Maryland amendment to Deck Medic, Inc. Franchise Agreement on the same date as the Franchise Agreement was executed.
| Franchisor: Deck Medic, Inc. | Franchisee: | |---------------------------------|---------------------| | By: | Signature | | Signature | | | Name and Title (please print) | Name (please print) | | Dated | Dated Signature Name (please print) Dated |
MINNESOTA FRANCHISE AGREEMENT AMENDMENT
Amendments to the Deck Medic Franchise Agreement:
In recognition of the requirements of the Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 80C. and Minnesota Franchise Rules, Chapter 2860, the parties to the attached Deck Medic, Inc. Franchise Agreement (the "Franchise Agreement"), as follows:
- Article 14.C. of the Franchise Agreement, under the heading "Conditions for Approval of Transfer," subarticle 14.C.(6) is supplemented with the addition of the following language:
; provided, however, that all rights enjoyed by Franchisee and any causes of action arising in Franchisee's favor from the provisions of the Minnesota Franchise Act, Minn. Stat. Section 80C.14 et seq. and Minnesota Rules 2860.4400(D), shall remain in force; it being the intent of this provision that the non-waiver provisions of the Minnesota Rules 2860.4400(D) be satisfied; and
Minnesota law provides a franchisee with certain termination and non-renewal rights. Minn. Stat. Sect. 80C.14 Subdivisions 3, 4, and 5 require, except in certain specified cases, that franchisee be given 180 days-notice of nonrenewal of this Agreement by Franchisor.
- Article 15.B. of the Franchise Agreement, under the heading "Conditions for Renewal," the subarticle 15.B.(8) is supplemented with the addition of the following language:
; provided, however, that all rights enjoyed by Franchisee and any causes of action arising in Franchisee's favor from the provisions of the Minnesota Franchise Act, Minn. Stat. Section 80C.14 et seq. and Minnesota Rules 2860.4400(D), shall remain in force; it being the intent of this provision that the non-waiver provisions of the Minnesota Rules 2860.4400(D) be satisfied; and
Minnesota law provides a franchisee with certain termination and non-renewal rights. Minn. Stat. Sect. 80C.14 Subdivisions 3, 4, and 5 require, except in certain specified cases, that franchisee be given 180 days-notice of nonrenewal of this Agreement by Franchisor.
- Under Article 11 of the Franchise Agreement, under the heading "Notification of Infringement and Claims," the subarticle 11.C.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 43–228)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
According to Deck Medic's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, modifications to the franchise agreement are not universally effective across all jurisdictions. Several states, including Wisconsin, California, Illinois, New York, North Dakota, Maryland, Virginia, Washington and Minnesota, have specific amendments or addenda that apply only within those states, indicating that the standard franchise agreement is modified to comply with local laws.
For example, the Illinois Franchise Agreement Amendment states that Illinois law governs the Franchise Agreement and voids any provision designating jurisdiction and venue outside of Illinois, although arbitration may still occur outside the state. Similarly, the North Dakota Franchise Agreement Amendment includes provisions that certain clauses related to general releases, termination, liquidated damages, non-compete covenants, jurisdiction of courts, waivers of trial by jury, and waivers of exemplary and punitive damages are not enforceable in North Dakota.
Furthermore, the New York amendment specifies that its provisions are effective only to the extent that the jurisdictional requirements of the New York General Business Law are met independently, without relying on the amendment itself. The Minnesota amendment contains similar language. These state-specific amendments reflect the need to tailor the franchise agreement to comply with varying state franchise laws, meaning a Deck Medic franchisee's rights and obligations can differ significantly based on their location.
Prospective Deck Medic franchisees should carefully review the specific amendments and addenda applicable to their state to understand how the standard franchise agreement is modified in their jurisdiction. This ensures they are aware of their rights and obligations under local laws, as these may differ from the standard terms of the franchise agreement. Consulting with a legal professional experienced in franchise law is advisable to fully understand the implications of these state-specific modifications.