In Michigan, can Dog Haus require a franchisee to resell items that are not uniquely identified with Dog Haus?
Dog_Haus Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
MICHIGAN ADDENDUM TO DISCLOSURE DOCUMENT
The following disclosures are required by the State of Michigan:
- THE STATE OF MICHIGAN PROHIBITS CERTAIN UNFAIR PROVISIONS THAT ARE SOMETIMES IN FRANCHISE DOCUMENTS. IF ANY OF THE FOLLOWING PROVISIONS ARE IN THESE FRANCHISE DOCUMENTS, THE PROVISIONS ARE VOID AND CANNOT BE ENFORCED AGAINST YOU.
Each of the following provisions is void and unenforceable if contained in any documents related to a franchise:
- B.
A requirement that a franchisee assent to a release, assignment, novation, waiver or estoppel which deprives a franchisee of rights and protections provided in the Michigan Franchise Investment Act.
This shall not preclude a franchisee, after entering into a franchise agreement, from settling any and all claims.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 87–328)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
The 2025 Dog Haus Franchise Disclosure Document includes a Michigan addendum that addresses specific provisions that the state prohibits. According to the addendum, if any of the listed provisions are present in the franchise documents, they are considered void and unenforceable against the franchisee.
One of the prohibited provisions is any requirement that a franchisee assent to a release, assignment, novation, waiver, or estoppel that deprives the franchisee of rights and protections under the Michigan Franchise Investment Act. However, this does not prevent a franchisee from settling claims after entering into the franchise agreement.
The provided excerpts from the Dog Haus FDD do not explicitly state whether Dog Haus can require a franchisee to resell items not uniquely identified with Dog Haus in Michigan. To determine whether Dog Haus can require a franchisee in Michigan to resell items not uniquely identified with Dog Haus, it is recommended that prospective franchisees review the franchise agreement and specifically ask Dog Haus about any requirements to sell items not uniquely identified with Dog Haus.