By attaching a digital signature to the Devon Creek Franchise Agreement, what are the parties intending to do?
Devon_Creek Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
- 21.10 Consent to Do Business Electronically.
The parties to the Franchise Agreement hereby consent to do business electronically.
Pursuant to the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act as adopted by the State of North Carolina, the parties hereby affirm to each other that they agree with the terms of the Franchise Agreement, and by attaching their digital signature, including any DocuSign signature, to the Franchise Agreement, they are executing the document and intending to attach their digital signature to it.
Furthermore, the parties acknowledge that the other parties to the Franchise Agreement can rely on a digital signature, including a DocuSign signature, as the respective party's signature.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 45)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
According to Devon Creek's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, the parties to the Franchise Agreement consent to conduct business electronically. By affixing their digital signature, including any DocuSign signature, to the Franchise Agreement, they are confirming their agreement with the terms outlined within the document and indicating their intent to be bound by it.
This consent and affirmation are made under the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act as adopted by the State of North Carolina. This act essentially validates electronic signatures, giving them the same legal weight as traditional handwritten signatures. This is a common practice in modern franchising, streamlining the agreement process and making it more efficient.
For a prospective Devon Creek franchisee, this means that the franchise agreement can be signed and executed electronically, simplifying the process. Furthermore, all parties acknowledge that they can rely on a digital signature as the respective party's signature.