What law governs the Degree Wellness Franchise Agreement in Illinois?
Degree_Wellness Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
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.
Your rights upon Termination and Non-Renewals of an agreement 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, and 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.
Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 66–257)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Degree Wellness's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the Franchise Agreement is governed by Illinois law. The FDD specifies that any provision within the franchise agreement that designates jurisdiction and venue outside of Illinois is void, as per Section 4 of the Illinois Franchise Disclosure Act. However, the agreement can stipulate that arbitration may occur outside of Illinois. Furthermore, the FDD states that franchisees' rights regarding termination and non-renewal are protected under sections 19 and 20 of the Illinois Franchise Disclosure Act. Additionally, Section 41 of the same act ensures that franchisees cannot waive compliance with the Illinois Franchise Disclosure Act or any other Illinois law. This addendum reinforces that Illinois law protects franchisees operating within the state, ensuring that they cannot be forced into unfavorable legal situations outside of Illinois.