In the Gokhale Method Franchise Disclosure Document, what do the terms 'we,' 'us,' and 'our' refer to?
Gokhale_Method Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
To simplify the language in this Franchise Disclosure Document, unless the context otherwise requires, all references to "we," "us", or "our" refer to Gokhale Method Institute, Inc., and all references to "Franchisee," "you," or "your" refer to the person who is offered or granted the right to operate a Gokhale Method franchise under a Franchise Agreement. The franchise is referred to here as the "Franchised Business" or the "Franchise." We offer the Franchise only to natural persons, although you may form a legal entity to carry on the business aspects of the Franchised Business. The use of paragraph captions throughout this document is for convenience of reference only and is not intended to change the meaning of any text.
The Franchisor. We are a corporation formed under California law on November 3, 2011. Our principal business address is 3790 El Camino Real #1033, Palo Alto, CA 94306. Our agent or agents to receive service of process, is Esther Gokhale, GMI, 3790 El Camino Real #1033, Palo Alto, CA 94306. Our sole business is the offer and sale of franchises hereunder and the performance of our duties under the Franchise Agreements as franchisor. We previously taught the Gokhale Method and operated a business of the type being offered herein at our headquarters in Palo Alto, California. We have not conducted business or offered franchises in any other line of business.
Source: Item 1 — THE FRANCHISOR AND ANY PARENTS, PREDECESSORS, AND AFFILIATES (FDD pages 8–10)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
According to the 2024 Gokhale Method Franchise Disclosure Document, the terms 'we,' 'us,' and 'our' refer to the Gokhale Method Institute, Inc., unless the context indicates otherwise. The terms 'Franchisee,' 'you,' or 'your' refer to the person who is offered or granted the right to operate a Gokhale Method franchise under a Franchise Agreement. This clarification is provided to simplify the language used throughout the document.
This definition is important for prospective franchisees as it clarifies who is making statements and obligations within the FDD and the Franchise Agreement. Understanding this distinction helps franchisees differentiate between the franchisor's responsibilities and their own. For example, when the document states 'we may authorize Franchisees to offer other wellness offerings,' it means Gokhale Method Institute, Inc. has the authority to allow franchisees to expand their service offerings.
It is also noted in the FDD that Gokhale Method Institute, Inc. was formed as a corporation under California law on November 3, 2011. The principal business address for Gokhale Method Institute, Inc. is 3790 El Camino Real #1033, Palo Alto, CA 94306. The franchisor's sole business is the offer and sale of franchises and the performance of its duties under the Franchise Agreements. The franchisor previously taught the Gokhale Method and operated a business of the type being offered at its headquarters in Palo Alto, California.