What is the geographic limit of the Minnesota Addenda's applicability to Zoomin Groomin franchises?
Zoomin_Groomin Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
MINNESOTA ADDENDA TO THE DISCLOSURE DOCUMENT
As to franchises governed by The Minnesota Franchise Act, if any of the terms of the Franchise Disclosure Document ("FDD") are inconsistent with the terms below, the terms below control.
Minnesota Statutes, Section 80C.21 and Minnesota Rules 2860.4400(J) prohibit the franchisor from requiring litigation to be conducted outside Minnesota, requiring waiver of a jury trial, or requiring the franchisee to consent to liquidated damages, termination penalties or judgment notes.
Source: Item 17 — g. of the Disclosure Document is modified to state that, in addition to the grounds for immediate termination specified in Item 17.h., the franchisor can terminate upon written notice and a 60 day opportunity to cure for a breach of the Franchise Agreement. (FDD pages 51–65)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Zoomin Groomin FDD, the Minnesota Addenda applies to franchises governed by The Minnesota Franchise Act. This means that if any terms in the Franchise Disclosure Document are inconsistent with the terms outlined in the addenda, the Minnesota addenda terms will take precedence. This ensures that Zoomin Groomin franchises operating within Minnesota adhere to the specific legal requirements and protections afforded by Minnesota state law.
Specifically, the addenda addresses various aspects of the franchise relationship to align with Minnesota law. These include stipulations that the franchisor cannot mandate litigation to occur outside of Minnesota, require franchisees to waive jury trials, or demand consent to liquidated damages, termination penalties, or judgment notes. These provisions are designed to protect the franchisee's rights and ensure fair legal proceedings within the state.
Furthermore, the Minnesota Addenda emphasizes the protection of the franchisee's rights to use trademarks and service marks, ensuring that Zoomin Groomin will defend these rights and indemnify the franchisee against any related claims. The addenda also addresses termination and non-renewal conditions, aligning them with Minnesota Statutes, which require specific notice periods for termination and non-renewal, providing franchisees with adequate time to address any issues or prepare for the end of the franchise agreement. These stipulations collectively ensure that the Zoomin Groomin franchise agreement respects and complies with Minnesota's franchise laws, offering franchisees a degree of legal certainty and protection within the state.