In a legal dispute regarding the Dryject franchise agreement, who is responsible for attorney's fees?
Dryject Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
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- Attorneys' Fees. If the franchise agreement or related agreements require
a franchisee to reimburse the franchisor for court costs or expenses, including attorneys' fees, such provision applies only if the franchisor is the prevailing party in any judicial or arbitration proceeding.
Source: Item 8 — BUSINESS RELATIONSHIP (FDD pages 68–229)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Dryject's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, a franchisee is only required to reimburse Dryject for court costs or expenses, including attorney's fees, if Dryject is the prevailing party in any judicial or arbitration proceeding. This condition applies if the franchise agreement or related agreements contain a clause requiring the franchisee to cover such costs.
This stipulation is particularly relevant for prospective Dryject franchisees as it clarifies the circumstances under which they might be responsible for Dryject's legal expenses. It ensures that franchisees are not automatically liable for these costs but only in situations where Dryject prevails in a legal dispute.
This type of clause is somewhat common in franchise agreements, aiming to protect franchisors from incurring legal costs when they are successful in enforcing the agreement. However, the specific wording and conditions can vary, making it important for franchisees to understand their potential liabilities. This protection is specific to Washington State law.