What is the rule regarding disclosing the existence, content, or results of any arbitration involving Dq Treat?
Dq_Treat Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- (E) Except as may be required by law, neither a party nor an arbitrator may disclose the existence, content, or results of any arbitration under this section 12.1 without the prior written consent of both parties.
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, neither a party nor an arbitrator is allowed to disclose the existence, content, or results of any arbitration without prior written consent from both parties. An exception exists if disclosure is required by law. This rule ensures confidentiality in the arbitration process.
For a prospective Dq Treat franchisee, this means that any disputes with Dq Treat that go to arbitration will generally remain private unless both parties agree to disclose information about the arbitration. This can be beneficial in protecting the franchisee's business reputation and sensitive information. However, it also means that the franchisee may not be able to share their experiences or the outcome of the arbitration with other potential franchisees, even if they believe it would be helpful to them.
It's important for a potential Dq Treat franchisee to understand the implications of this confidentiality clause. While it offers some protection, it also limits the franchisee's ability to discuss the arbitration process and outcome. Franchisees should seek legal counsel to fully understand their rights and obligations regarding arbitration and disclosure.