Where will arbitration or mediation take place for a Dq Treat franchise purchased in Washington?
Dq_Treat Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
In any arbitration or mediation involving a franchise purchased in Washington, the arbitration or mediation site will be either in the state of Washington, or in a place mutually agreed upon at the time of the arbitration or mediation, or as determined by the arbitrator or mediator at the time of arbitration or mediation.
Source: Item 17 — The following paragraph is added to the end of Item 17 of the Disclosure Document: (FDD pages 70–378)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Dq Treat Franchise Disclosure Document, if a franchisee purchases a Dq Treat franchise in Washington, the arbitration or mediation site will be in the state of Washington. However, the location can be a place mutually agreed upon at the time of the arbitration or mediation. The location could also be determined by the arbitrator or mediator at the time of arbitration or mediation.
This addendum ensures that Dq Treat franchisees in Washington are not forced to travel to a distant or inconvenient location for dispute resolution. It provides flexibility by allowing the parties to agree on a location or for the arbitrator/mediator to decide. This can save franchisees time and money by reducing travel expenses and making it easier to participate in the proceedings.
It is important to note that this addendum specifically applies to franchises purchased in Washington, as the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act governs franchise relationships within the state. Franchisees should carefully review the franchise agreement and any addenda to understand their rights and obligations regarding dispute resolution.