What effect does a statement, questionnaire, or acknowledgment signed by a Zoomin Groomin franchisee have on waiving claims under state franchise law?
Zoomin_Groomin Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
ir to not protect the franchisee's right to use the trademarks. Refer to Minnesota Statutes 80C.12, Subd. 1(g).
- Minnesota Rules 2860.4400(D) prohibits a franchisor from requiring a franchisee to assent to a general release.
- The franchisee cannot consent to the franchisor obtaining injunctive relief. The franchisor may seek injunctive relief. See Minn. Rules 2860.4400J.
- Also, a court will determine if a bond is required.
- Any Limitations of Claims section must comply with Minnesota Statutes, Section 80C.17, Subd. 5.
- No statement, questionnaire, or acknowledgment signed or agreed to by a franchisee in connection with the commencement of the franchise relationship shall have the effect of (i) waiving any claims under any applicable state franchise law, including fraud in the inducement, or (ii) disclaiming reliance on any statement made by any franchisor, franchise seller, or other person acting on behalf of the franchisor. This provision supersedes any other term of any document executed in connection with the franchise.
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, in general, a statement, questionnaire, or acknowledgment signed by a franchisee does not waive claims under state franchise law. Specifically, in Minnesota and Maryland, any such document signed by a Zoomin Groomin franchisee in connection with starting the franchise relationship cannot waive claims under any applicable state franchise law. This includes claims of fraud. Additionally, these documents cannot disclaim reliance on any statement made by Zoomin Groomin or anyone acting on their behalf.
This provision is designed to protect franchisees from inadvertently giving up their legal rights through standard paperwork. It ensures that franchisees retain the ability to pursue legal action if they believe they have been misled or otherwise wronged during the franchise sales process. This protection applies regardless of what other documents related to the franchise may state.
For a prospective Zoomin Groomin franchisee, this means that signing a statement, questionnaire, or acknowledgment during the initial phase of the franchise agreement does not prevent them from later bringing a claim under state franchise law. This offers some security, knowing that these initial documents will not be used against them if they later need to pursue legal recourse. However, this protection is explicitly mentioned for Minnesota and Maryland, so franchisees in other states should seek legal counsel to understand their rights fully.