For a Dq Treat franchise purchased in Washington, where will arbitration or mediation take place?
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 Dq Treat's 2025 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, there are a couple of exceptions. The location could be a place mutually agreed upon at the time of the arbitration or mediation. Also, the arbitrator or mediator could determine the location at the time of arbitration or mediation.
This disclosure is part of an addendum to the operating agreement specifically for franchises sold in Washington, ensuring compliance with the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act. This addendum addresses potential conflicts of laws, stating that the provisions of the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act will prevail.
This means that Dq Treat franchisees in Washington have some protection under their state's laws regarding dispute resolution. Franchisees are not necessarily forced to travel to another state for arbitration or mediation unless they agree to it or the arbitrator/mediator decides otherwise. This can save franchisees time and money in legal proceedings.