Does the Focus Cfo Franchise Agreement specify which court has jurisdiction in Illinois?

The 2025 Focus Cfo Franchise Disclosure Document includes a Multi-State Addenda, including one for Illinois. However, the document does not specify which court has jurisdiction in Illinois. The FDD states that Focus CFO and the franchisee are parties to a Franchise Agreement, and the addendum is part of that agreement. The Illinois addendum does not amend or replace the jurisdiction clause outlined in Section 17.2 of the Franchise Agreement.

According to Section 17.2 of the Franchise Agreement, any action brought by either party, except those claims required to be submitted to arbitration, must be brought in the appropriate state court located in or serving Franklin County, Ohio. This is the default jurisdiction unless superseded by a state-specific addendum.

Since the Illinois addendum does not address the jurisdiction, the standard jurisdiction clause requiring disputes to be resolved in Franklin County, Ohio, would likely apply to Illinois franchisees. However, it is important to note that the Illinois addendum states that no statement signed by the franchisee can waive any claims under applicable state franchise law. A prospective franchisee should consult with a legal professional to fully understand the implications of the jurisdiction clause and how it interacts with Illinois franchise law.