What does the Deer Solution Franchise Agreement amendment state regarding the effectiveness of each provision?

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.

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.

Article 15 of the Franchise Agreement is hereby amended by the addition of the following language: "Provisions requiring North Dakota franchisees to sign a general release upon renewal of the Franchise Agreement are not enforceable in North Dakota."

Article 16 of the Franchise Agreement is hereby amended by the addition of the following language: "Provisions requiring North Dakota Franchisees to consent to termination or liquidated damages are not enforceable in North Dakota."

Articles 6 and 17 of the Franchise Agreement are hereby amended by the addition of the following language: "Covenants not to compete such as those mentioned above are generally considered unenforceable in the State of North Dakota."

Article 18 of the Franchise Agreement is hereby amended by the addition of the following language: "Covenants requiring North Dakota franchisees to consent to the jurisdiction of courts outside of North Dakota may not be enforceable in North Dakota."

Article 18 of the Franchise Agreement is hereby amended by the addition of the following language: "for North Dakota Franchisees, North Dakota law shall apply."

Article 18 of the Franchise Agreement is hereby amended by the addition of the following language: "Provisions requiring a franchisee to consent to a waiver of trial by jury are not enforceable under Section 51-19-09 of the North Dakota Franchise Investment Law."

Article 18 of the Franchise Agreement is hereby amended by the addition of the following language: "Provisions requiring the franchisee to consent to a waiver of exemplary and punitive damages are not enforceable under Section 51-19-09 of the North Dakota Franchise Investment Law."

Each provision of this amendment shall be effective only to the extent, with respect to such provision, that the jurisdictional requirements of the New York General Business Law, are met independently without reference to this amendment.

The Rhode Island Franchise Investment Act, R.I. Gen. Law Ch. 395 Sec. 19-28.1-14 provides that a provision in a Franchise Agreement restricting jurisdiction or venue to a forum outside this state or requiring the application of the laws of another state is void with respect to a claim otherwise enforceable under the Rhode Island Franchise Investment Act.

• B. Any general release as a condition of renewal, termination or transfer will be void with respect to claims under the Rhode Island Franchise Investment Act.

Under Section 13.1-564 of the Virginia Retail Franchising Act, it is unlawful for a franchisor to cancel a franchise without reasonable cause. If any grounds for default or termination stated in Deer Solution Franchise Agreement do not constitute "reasonable cause," as that term may be defined in the Virginia Retail Franchising Act or the laws of Virginia, that provision may not be enforceable.

In the event of a conflict of laws, the provisions of the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act, Chapter 19.100 RCW will prevail.

A release or waiver of rights executed by a franchisee may not include rights under the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act or any rule or order thereunder except when executed pursuant to a negotiated settlement after the agreement is in effect and where the parties are represented by independent counsel. Provisions such as those which unreasonably restrict or limit the statute of limitations period for claims under the Act, or rights or remedies under the Act such as a right to a jury trial, may not be enforceable.

; 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.

; 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.

Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 55–246)