What law governs the interpretation of the Kitchen Solvers franchise agreement, excluding matters covered by the Federal Arbitration Act and the Lanham Act?

According to Kitchen Solvers' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the interpretation of the franchise agreement, the parties' rights, and the relationship between the parties are governed by applicable law, except to the extent governed by the Federal Arbitration Act and the Lanham Act. This means that while federal laws like the Federal Arbitration Act and the Lanham Act (which covers trademarks) take precedence in their specific domains, the remaining aspects of the agreement will be interpreted under the relevant state and local laws.

For a prospective Kitchen Solvers franchisee, this is important because the specific laws governing the agreement can vary depending on the franchisee's location. State laws can influence various aspects of the franchise relationship, including contract interpretation, dispute resolution (outside of arbitration), and franchisee rights. This clause ensures that the franchise agreement is interpreted in accordance with the legal framework of the relevant jurisdiction, providing a degree of legal certainty.

It is essential for potential Kitchen Solvers franchisees to understand which state's laws will govern their franchise agreement, as this can impact their rights and obligations. Franchisees should consult with a legal professional to fully understand the implications of this clause and how it may affect their specific circumstances. This also highlights the importance of state-specific addenda, as referenced elsewhere in the FDD, which may modify the standard agreement to comply with local laws.