Can the Dog Haus Remote Kitchen Addendum and its exhibits be signed electronically, and are electronic signatures considered equivalent to handwritten signatures?
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 Remote Kitchen Addendum and its exhibits can be signed electronically. The document states that electronic signatures are considered the same as handwritten signatures for validity, enforceability, and admissibility. This applies not only to the agreement itself but also to all exhibits associated with it.
This means a prospective Dog Haus franchisee can sign the Remote Kitchen Addendum and any related documents electronically, without needing to print, sign, and physically mail them. This can streamline the signing process and reduce administrative delays. The FDD also states that copies of the agreement with signatures transmitted by email or fax are considered original copies, provided they are fully executed, dated, and identical to the original hard copy.
Dog Haus also has the right to create an electronic record of any or all agreements, correspondence, or other communications between the parties or involving third parties and may thereafter dispose of or destroy the original of any of the agreements, correspondence, or other communications. Any such electronic record will be inscribed on a tangible medium or stored in an electronic or other medium and be retrievable in perceivable form, and will be maintained in and readable by hardware and software generally available. This electronic record has the same legal effect, validity and enforceability as an original of any document, even if the original of the document has been disposed of or intentionally destroyed.