In which county in Ohio must legal actions be brought regarding the Epcon Communities Franchise Agreement?

According to Epcon Communities' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, legal disputes are primarily resolved in Franklin County, Ohio. Specifically, the FDD states that the state courts in Franklin County have sole and exclusive jurisdiction to hear and determine any dispute or controversy arising under or concerning the Non-Disclosure and On-Line Access Agreement.

Additionally, if jurisdictional prerequisites are met, the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio (Northern Division) also holds jurisdiction. This means that depending on the specifics of the case, an Epcon Communities franchisee could find themselves in either a state court within Franklin County or the specified federal court.

This clause is important for prospective franchisees to consider, as it dictates where they may need to travel and engage legal counsel should a dispute arise with Epcon Communities. It is typical for franchise agreements to specify a jurisdiction for dispute resolution, often favoring the franchisor's home location. Franchisees should factor in the potential costs and logistical challenges of litigating or arbitrating in the specified jurisdiction.