Are there any state-specific modifications to the choice of forum for Dog Haus?
Dog_Haus Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
| Section In | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Franchise | |||
| Agreement | |||
| (Exhibit A) and | |||
| in Remote | |||
| Kitchen | |||
| Addendum | |||
| Provision | (Exhibit C) | Summary | |
| s. | Modification of the | Franchise | The Franchise Agreement can be modified or amended only by |
| agreement | Agreement | written agreement of all of the parties. The Manuals are subject | |
| Sections 6.5 and | to change at any time. You must comply with any changes set | ||
| 21.5; Remote | forth in the Manuals. Remote Kitchen Addendum can be | ||
| Kitchen | modified or amended only by written agreement of all the | ||
| Addendum | parties. (Remote Kitchen Addendum) | ||
| Section 9.2 | |||
| t. | Integration/ merger | Franchise | Only the terms of the Franchise Agreement and other related |
| clause | Agreement | written agreements are binding (subject to applicable state law). | |
| Section 21.5; | Any | ||
| representations or | |||
| promises | |||
| outside | |||
| the disclosure | |||
| Remote Kitchen | document and franchise agreement may not be enforceable. | ||
| Addendum | Only the terms of the Franchise Agreement and Remote Kitchen | ||
| Section 9.2; | Addendum and its exhibits are binding (subject to applicable | ||
| state law). No other representations or promises will be binding. | |||
| (Remote Kitchen Addendum) | |||
| u. | Dispute resolution by | Franchise | You agree to attempt any dispute first by mediation, which will |
| arbitration or | Agreement | occur in Los Angeles, California. Mediation must be completed | |
| mediation | Sections 19.1 | within 45 days following the date either party first gives notice | |
| and 19.2 | of mediation, unless otherwise agreed in writing. The fees and | ||
| expenses of the mediator will be shared equally by you and us. | |||
| If the parties cannot resolve and settle the dispute through | |||
| mediations, all unresolved claims between you and us will be | |||
| submitted to binding arbitration, which will occur in Los | |||
| Angeles, California. The fees and expenses of the arbitrator will | |||
| be shared equally by you and us. | |||
| (subject to applicable state law) | |||
| v. | Choice of forum | Franchise | All proceedings will be held in Los Angeles County, California, |
| Agreement | subject to applicable state law. See the State Specific Addenda | ||
| Section 19.3 | (Exhibit H) attached to this Disclosure Document. |
Source: Item 17 — RENEWAL, TERMINATION, TRANSFER AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION THE FRANCHISE RELATIONSHIP (FDD pages 63–72)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Dog Haus's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the choice of forum is generally Los Angeles County, California. However, this is subject to applicable state law, and specific modifications may be outlined in the State Specific Addenda (Exhibit H) attached to the Disclosure Document. This means that depending on the state in which a franchisee operates their Dog Haus location, the standard requirement to hold proceedings in Los Angeles County might be altered or superseded by state-specific regulations.
For a prospective Dog Haus franchisee, this indicates the importance of reviewing Exhibit H, the State Specific Addenda, to understand if the state in which they plan to operate has any laws that would modify the choice of forum. State laws can vary significantly, and some states may have franchise-specific laws that invalidate or modify certain provisions in the franchise agreement, including those related to dispute resolution and choice of forum.
It is crucial for potential franchisees to consult with a legal professional experienced in franchise law within their state to fully understand their rights and obligations. This will help ensure they are aware of any state-specific protections or requirements that could affect the enforcement of the franchise agreement, particularly concerning where legal proceedings would take place. Ignoring this aspect could lead to unexpected costs or logistical challenges if a dispute arises and the franchisee is required to litigate far from their business location.