Does the Zoomin Groomin agreement include a waiver of the right to a jury trial?
Zoomin_Groomin Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
In any trial between any of the Parties as to any Claims, you and we will waive our rights to a jury trial and instead have such action tried by a judge or arbitrator as set forth in this Agreement.
E. Class Action Waiver.
You will bring any Claims, if at all, individually and you will not join such Claim with Claims of any other person or entity or bring, join or participate in a class action against us.
F. Punitive Damages Waiver.
Source: Item 9 — 01. Financial Statements and Exhibits. (FDD pages 68–156)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Zoomin Groomin Franchise Disclosure Document, the franchise agreement includes a jury waiver. Specifically, in any trial between the parties regarding any claims, both parties agree to waive their rights to a jury trial, opting instead for a trial by a judge or arbitrator.
This means that as a Zoomin Groomin franchisee, you would be giving up your right to have a jury decide any legal disputes you might have with Zoomin Groomin. Instead, a judge or arbitrator would make the decision. This can have significant implications because a judge or arbitrator may have different perspectives or biases than a jury of your peers.
It is important to note that provisions contained in the franchise agreement or related agreements that unreasonably restrict or limit rights or remedies under the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act, such as a right to a jury trial, may not be enforceable. This may be relevant to franchisees in Washington state.