What Minnesota statutes and rules prohibit Focus Cfo from requiring litigation outside of Minnesota?

According to the 2025 Focus Cfo Franchise Disclosure Document, for franchises governed by Minnesota law, Focus Cfo is prohibited from requiring litigation to be conducted outside of Minnesota. Specifically, Minn. Stat. Sec. 80C.21 and Minn. Rule 2860.4400J prevent Focus Cfo from enforcing such a requirement. This protection ensures that Minnesota franchisees are not forced to bear the additional burden and expense of litigating disputes in a foreign jurisdiction.

This provision is included as an amendment to Item 17 of the Disclosure Document, clarifying the relationship between the standard franchise agreement and Minnesota franchise law. The FDD also states that nothing in the Disclosure Document or Franchise Agreement can reduce any of your rights as provided for in Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 80C, or your rights to any procedure, forum or remedies provided for by the laws of the jurisdiction.

This means that any clause in the standard Focus Cfo franchise agreement that might compel a Minnesota franchisee to litigate outside of Minnesota is unenforceable. This addendum ensures that Minnesota franchisees retain all rights and protections afforded to them under Minnesota law, regardless of what the standard franchise agreement may state. Prospective franchisees in Minnesota should carefully review this addendum and understand their rights under Minnesota franchise law.