Is the jury trial waiver provision in Section 21.14 applicable to the Hydrodog franchise agreement?

According to Hydrodog's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Section 21.14 of the franchise agreement, which typically includes a waiver of jury trial, has been amended. Specifically, any reference to a waiver of jury trial in Section 21.14 is deleted. This means that franchisees are not required to waive their right to a jury trial, which is a significant protection for franchisees in case of legal disputes with Hydrodog.

This amendment ensures that Hydrodog franchisees retain their constitutional right to a jury trial in legal proceedings related to the franchise agreement. This is particularly important because franchise agreements often heavily favor the franchisor, and preserving the right to a jury trial can provide a more balanced legal process for franchisees. Without this amendment, franchisees would have to agree to waive this right, potentially putting them at a disadvantage in any litigation against Hydrodog.

For prospective Hydrodog franchisees, this is a beneficial change. It means that if a dispute arises that leads to a lawsuit, the franchisee has the option to present their case before a jury of their peers, rather than being limited to a judge's decision or an alternative dispute resolution method like arbitration. This can be a crucial advantage, especially in complex cases where understanding local market conditions or business practices is important. This amendment reflects a more equitable approach to dispute resolution within the Hydrodog franchise system.