What state's laws govern the Degree Wellness Development Agreement?
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.
Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 66–257)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Degree Wellness's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Illinois law governs the Franchise Agreement. However, if any provision in the franchise agreement designates jurisdiction and venue in a forum outside of Illinois, that provision is void, as stated in conformance with Section 4 of the Illinois Franchise Disclosure Act.
It is important to note that while the agreement cannot designate a jurisdiction outside of Illinois, it can stipulate that arbitration may occur outside of Illinois. This means that while legal disputes would be subject to Illinois law, the process of arbitration, if required, could take place in another state.
Additionally, the document mentions that rights upon termination and non-renewal of an agreement are detailed in sections 19 and 20 of the Illinois Franchise Disclosure Act. This provides further clarity on the legal framework within which the Degree Wellness franchise operates in relation to Illinois law.