factual

How should the arbitrator interpret the Learningrx Franchise Agreement when making a decision?

Learningrx Franchise · 2025 FDD

Answer from 2025 FDD Document

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MULTI STATE ADDENDUM EXHIBIT E

EXHIBIT E LEARNINGRX FRANCHISE CORPORATION

MULTI STATE ADDENDUM

The following modifications are to the LearningRx Franchise Corporation Franchise Disclosure Document and may supersede, to the extent then required by valid applicable state law, certain portions of the Franchise Agreement and Area Development Agreement.

CALIFORNIA

    1. The California Franchise Investment Law requires a copy of all proposed agreements relating to the sale of the franchise be delivered together with the Disclosure Document.
    1. Neither the franchisor, nor any person or franchise broker in Item 2 of the FDD is subject to any currently effective order of any national securities association or national securities exchange, as defined in the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, 15 U.S.C.A. 78a et seq., suspending or expelling such persons from membership in such association or exchange.
    1. California Business and Professions Code sections 20000 through 20043 provide rights to the franchisee concerning termination, transfer or non-renewal of a franchise. If the franchise agreement contains a provision that is inconsistent with the law, the law will control.
    1. The franchise agreement provides for termination upon bankruptcy. This provision may not be enforceable under federal bankruptcy law. (11 U.S.C.A. Sec. 101 et seq.)
    1. The franchise agreement contains a covenant not to compete which extends beyond the termination of the franchise. This provision may not be enforceable under California law.
    1. The franchise agreement contains a liquidated damages clause. Under California Civil Code Section 1671, certain liquidated damages clauses are unenforceable.
    1. The franchise agreement requires binding arbitration. The arbitration will occur in Colorado with the costs being borne by both parties.
    1. Prospective franchisees are encouraged to consult private legal counsel to determine the applicability of California and federal laws (such as Business and Professions Code Section 20040.5, Code Procedure Section 1281, and the Federal Arbitration Act) to any provisions of a franchise agreement restricting venue to a forum outside the State of California.
    1. The franchise agreement requires application of the laws of Colorado. This provision may not be enforceable under California law.
    1. Section 31125 of the California Corporations Code requires us to give you a disclosure document, in a form containing the information that the commissioner may by rule or order require, before a solicitation of a proposed material modification of an existing franchise.
    1. You must sign a general release if you renew or transfer your franchise. California Corporations Code §31512 voids a waiver of your rights under the Franchise Investment Law (California Corporations Code §§31000 through 31516). Business and Professions Code §20010 voids a waiver of your rights under the Franchise Relations Act (Business and Professions Code §§20000 through 20043).
    1. The earnings claims figures do not reflect all the costs of sales, operating expenses, or other costs or expenses that must be deducted from the gross revenue or gross sales figures to obtain your net income or profit. You should conduct an independent investigation of the costs

and expenses you will incur in operating your franchise business. Franchisees or former franchisees, listed in the franchise disclosure document, may be one source of this information.

    1. The highest interest rate permitted by law in California is ten percent (10%).
    1. California's Franchise Investment Law (Corporations Code sections 31512 and 31512.1) states that any provision of a franchise agreement or related document requiring the franchisee to waive specific provisions of the law is contrary to public policy and is void and unenforceable. The law also prohibits a franchisor from disclaiming or denying (i) representations it, its employees, or its agents make to you, (ii) your ability to rely on any representations it makes to you, or (iii) any violations of the law.

Source: Item 23 — RECEIPT (FDD pages 54–209)

What This Means (2025 FDD)

According to the 2025 Learningrx Franchise Disclosure Document, the arbitrator is generally bound by the terms of the franchise agreement, but this is subject to certain state-specific laws that may supersede those terms. For instance, if a Learningrx franchise is in California, the arbitrator must consider that the California Franchise Investment Law requires that all proposed agreements related to the sale of the franchise be delivered with the disclosure document. Additionally, California law will control if any provision in the franchise agreement is inconsistent with California Business and Professions Code sections 20000 through 20043, which provide rights to the franchisee concerning termination, transfer, or non-renewal.

Specifically, in California, certain provisions like those allowing termination upon bankruptcy or including covenants not to compete extending beyond the franchise term may not be enforceable under federal bankruptcy law or California law, respectively. Similarly, liquidated damages clauses may be scrutinized under California Civil Code Section 1671. The FDD notes that the arbitration will occur in Colorado, with costs borne by both parties.

For Learningrx franchises in Virginia, the arbitrator must consider the Virginia Retail Franchising Act, which makes it unlawful for a franchisor to cancel a franchise without reasonable cause or to use undue influence to induce a franchisee to surrender any right. Furthermore, any statement signed by a franchisee cannot waive claims under state franchise law or disclaim reliance on statements made by the franchisor. In Washington, the arbitrator must prioritize the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act in case of conflicting laws. For Learningrx franchises in Minnesota, the arbitrator must consider Minnesota Statute 80C.14 subdivisions 3, 4, and 5, regarding termination and non-renewal notices, and ensure that the franchisee's rights under Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 80C, are protected.

Disclaimer: This information is extracted from the 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document and is provided for research purposes only. It does not constitute legal or financial advice. Consult with a franchise attorney before making any investment decisions.