Does Minnesota law prohibit Deka Lash from requiring franchisees to litigate outside of Minnesota?

According to Deka Lash's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, Minnesota law does indeed protect franchisees in this regard. Specifically, Minn. Stat. §80C.21 and Minn. Rule 2860.4400(J) explicitly prohibit Deka Lash from requiring that litigation be conducted outside of Minnesota. This provision ensures that Minnesota Deka Lash franchisees are not forced to bear the additional burden and expense of litigating disputes in a foreign jurisdiction.

This protection extends beyond just the location of litigation. The same Minnesota statutes and rules also prevent Deka Lash from requiring franchisees to waive their right to a jury trial or to consent to liquidated damages, termination penalties, or judgment notes. Furthermore, the FDD states that nothing in the Franchise Disclosure Document or related agreements can diminish any of the franchisee's rights as provided for in Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 80C, or their rights to any procedure, forum, or remedies available under Minnesota law.

For a prospective Deka Lash franchisee in Minnesota, this addendum provides significant legal safeguards. It ensures that their legal rights under Minnesota law are fully protected and cannot be overridden by the standard terms of the franchise agreement. This can provide peace of mind and potentially save significant costs and inconvenience in the event of a dispute with Deka Lash. Franchisees should carefully review the Minnesota Addendum to fully understand their rights and protections under Minnesota law.