In North Dakota, are provisions requiring consent to liquidated or termination damages generally enforceable for Itan franchisees?
Itan Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Provisions requiring your consent to liquidated or termination damages are generally considered unenforceable in the State of North Dakota, pursuant to Section 51-19-09 of the North Dakota Franchise Investment Law.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPT (FDD pages 44–190)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Itan's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, provisions requiring a franchisee's consent to liquidated or termination damages are generally considered unenforceable in North Dakota. This is based on Section 51-19-09 of the North Dakota Franchise Investment Law.
For a prospective Itan franchisee in North Dakota, this means that any clause in the franchise agreement that requires them to agree to liquidated damages or termination damages may not be enforceable under North Dakota law. This offers some protection to the franchisee, as they may not be bound by pre-agreed damage amounts in the event of termination or other circumstances.
It is important for potential Itan franchisees to consult with a legal professional to fully understand their rights and obligations under North Dakota law, especially concerning the enforceability of specific clauses within the franchise agreement. This ensures they are aware of the protections afforded to them by state law and can make informed decisions about entering into the franchise agreement.