Where will binding arbitration occur for a Dryer Vent Squad franchise dispute?
Dryer_Vent_Squad Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
(a) Arbitration – Except, at our option, as to any claims or disputes related to or concerning a breach of this Agreement by you that may entitle us to the award of injunctive relief, you agree that any and all disputes, controversies, and claims, arising from and/or related to this Agreement, shall be submitted to the American Arbitration Association for binding arbitration. Arbitration shall be conducted by one arbitrator in accordance with the American Arbitration Association's then current rules for commercial disputes, except as may be otherwise required in this Agreement. All arbitration proceedings shall be conducted in Ocean County, New Jersey or, if suitable American Arbitration Association facilities are not available in Ocean County, New Jersey, then at a suitable American Arbitration Association location selected by the arbitrator that is located closest to Ocean County, New Jersey.
In connection with binding arbitration, you agree that:
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 51–207)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
According to the 2024 Dryer Vent Squad FDD, any disputes arising from the franchise agreement will be submitted to the American Arbitration Association for binding arbitration. The arbitration will be conducted by one arbitrator following the American Arbitration Association's rules for commercial disputes, unless the agreement specifies otherwise.
For Dryer Vent Squad franchisees, the location of the arbitration proceedings is generally Ocean County, New Jersey. However, if suitable facilities are unavailable in Ocean County, the proceedings will occur at an American Arbitration Association location selected by the arbitrator that is closest to Ocean County, New Jersey.
Notably, the FDD includes amendments for franchisees in certain states that may impact the location of arbitration. For instance, for franchises purchased in Washington, the arbitration or mediation site will be in Washington, or a location mutually agreed upon, or as determined by the arbitrator or mediator. For franchisees in Illinois, any provision in the franchise agreement that designates jurisdiction and venue in a forum outside of the State of Illinois is void; however, a franchise agreement may provide for arbitration to take place outside of Illinois.