In Minnesota, can Monicals Pizza require litigation to be conducted outside of Minnesota?

According to Monicals Pizza's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, if you are opening a franchise in Minnesota, Monicals Pizza is prohibited from requiring that litigation be conducted outside of Minnesota. The FDD states that this is in accordance with Minn. Stat. §80C.21 and Minn. Rule 2860.4400J. This means that if a franchisee in Minnesota has a legal dispute with Monicals Pizza that results in litigation, the franchisee has the right to have the case heard in Minnesota.

Additionally, the FDD states that nothing in the disclosure document or franchise agreement can reduce any of your rights as provided for in Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 80C, or your rights to any procedure, forum, or remedies provided for by the laws of the jurisdiction. This ensures that franchisees retain all the legal rights and protections afforded to them under Minnesota law.

This provision is designed to protect franchisees by ensuring they are not forced to litigate disputes in a distant or inconvenient forum. It helps to level the playing field between the franchisor and franchisee, as the franchisee is not disadvantaged by having to incur additional travel costs or hire legal representation in another state.