Which law governs all matters subject to arbitration for Goldfish Swim School?
Goldfish_Swim_School Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Sections 23.1 and 23.2 are amended to add: The Franchise Agreement will be governed by Illinois law. Jurisdiction and venue for court litigations shall be in Illinois. Any provision in the Franchise Agreement that designates jurisdiction or venue in a forum outside the State is void, provided that a Franchise Agreement may provide for arbitration in a forum outside of
Section 23.6 is deleted in its entirety. 2. void. the United States Code. Any condition, stipulation, or provision purporting to bind any person acquiring any Franchise to waive compliance with any provision of this Act or any other law of this State is
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 77–389)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Goldfish Swim School FDD, the Illinois addendum states that any claim for arbitration is pursuant to the provisions of Title 9 of the United States Code. This applies to persons acquiring any Goldfish Swim School franchise in Illinois.
This means that for franchisees in Illinois, federal law (Title 9 of the U.S. Code) governs the arbitration process, not Illinois state law. Title 9 of the U.S. Code, also known as the Federal Arbitration Act, generally favors the enforcement of arbitration agreements.
It is important for prospective franchisees to understand which laws govern arbitration, as this can affect their rights and how disputes are resolved. Franchisees should consult with legal counsel to fully understand the implications of arbitration provisions and the applicable laws in their specific state.