Does the jury trial waiver apply to all matters related to the Degree Wellness agreement?

According to Degree Wellness's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the jury trial waiver applies broadly to any disputes related to the franchise agreement. Specifically, the document states that the parties agree to waive trial by jury in any action, proceeding, or counterclaim, whether at law or equity, regardless of which party brings the suit.

This waiver extends to any matter whatsoever between the parties that arises out of or is related in any way to the agreement, the performance of either party, and/or the franchisee's purchase from Degree Wellness of the development rights described in the agreement. This means a franchisee gives up the right to a jury trial for virtually any dispute connected to their franchise relationship with Degree Wellness.

Such waivers are relatively common in franchise agreements. Franchisees should understand that they are agreeing to resolve disputes through alternative means, such as bench trials (where a judge decides the case) or other resolution methods specified in the agreement. This can have significant implications for how legal disputes are handled and should be carefully considered before entering into the franchise agreement.