Can the Dog Haus Release Agreement be executed in counterparts?
Dog_Haus Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- Counterparts and Electronic Transmission; Electronic Signatures. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original and all of which together shall be deemed to be one and the same instrument. Copies of this Agreement with signatures that have been transmitted by email or by facsimile shall constitute and be deemed original copies of this Agreement for all purposes, provided that the copies are fully executed, dated and identical in form to the original hard copy version of this Agreement. In addition, this Agreement may be signed electronically by the Parties and electronic signatures appearing on this Agreement shall be deemed to be the same as handwritten signatures for the purposes of the validity, enforceability and admissibility of this Agreement.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 87–328)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Dog Haus's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the Franchise Agreement, which includes the Release Agreement, can be executed in counterparts. This means that the agreement does not need to be signed on a single document. Instead, each party can sign a separate copy of the same agreement, and all the signed copies together will be considered a single, binding agreement. This flexibility can be particularly useful when the parties are geographically separated, as it allows them to sign and return the agreement without needing to physically exchange a single document.
Furthermore, Dog Haus allows for electronic transmission and signatures. Copies of the agreement transmitted by email or fax are considered original copies, provided they are fully executed, dated, and identical to the original hard copy. In addition, the agreement can be signed electronically, and these electronic signatures are considered the same as handwritten signatures, making the agreement valid, enforceable, and admissible.
This approach streamlines the signing process, saving time and resources for both Dog Haus and its franchisees. It reflects a modern approach to contract execution, acknowledging the convenience and efficiency of electronic communication and signatures. Franchisees should ensure that all copies are fully executed and identical to avoid any potential disputes regarding the agreement's terms.