Does the Zoomin Groomin FDD state that any provision prohibiting communication with regulators is unlawful?
Zoomin_Groomin Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
If Zooming Groomin USA LLC does not deliver this disclosure document on time or if it contains a false or misleading statement, or a material omission, a violation of federal law and state law may have occurred and should be reported to the Federal Trade Commission, Washington, DC 20580 and the appropriate state agency listed on Exhibit C.
Source: Item 9 — 01. Financial Statements and Exhibits. (FDD pages 68–156)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
The 2025 Zoomin Groomin Franchise Disclosure Document does not explicitly state that any provision prohibiting communication with regulators is unlawful. However, the document does state that if the disclosure document is not delivered on time, contains false or misleading statements, or has material omissions, a violation of federal and state law may have occurred. This should be reported to the Federal Trade Commission and the appropriate state agency.
While the FDD does not directly address the legality of provisions preventing communication with regulators, the statement about reporting violations to regulatory bodies implies that franchisees have the right to report concerns without fear of reprisal. This is further supported by the general legal principle that agreements cannot prevent individuals from reporting illegal activity to government agencies.
Prospective Zoomin Groomin franchisees should consult with an attorney to fully understand their rights and obligations regarding communication with regulatory bodies. It is important to ensure that the franchise agreement does not contain any clauses that could be interpreted as restricting their ability to report violations or cooperate with investigations.