Where shall all mediation and litigation take place according to the Itan FDD?

According to Itan's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, all mediation and litigation involving disputes must occur in a specific location. The FDD specifies that the venue for both mediation and litigation will be in the county where Itan maintains its principal place of business at the time the dispute arises. Currently, Itan's principal place of business is located in San Diego County, California.

This means that any legal proceedings, whether mediation or a lawsuit, will take place in San Diego County, California, regardless of where the franchisee's Itan salon is located. The FDD also states that both parties involved in the franchise agreement irrevocably waive any objection to this venue and consent to the jurisdiction of the courts in San Diego County.

For a prospective Itan franchisee, this is an important consideration. It means that if a dispute arises that cannot be resolved informally, the franchisee will be required to travel to San Diego County, California, to participate in mediation or litigation. This could involve significant travel expenses, legal fees, and time away from their business. Franchisees should factor these potential costs into their decision when considering an Itan franchise.