What state's laws govern the Zoomin Groomin franchise agreement?
Zoomin_Groomin Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
The franchise agreement requires application of the laws of Virginia. This provision may not be enforceable under California law.
As to franchises governed by the Illinois Franchise Disclosure Act, if any of the terms of the Franchise Disclosure Document or Franchise Agreement are inconsistent with the terms below, the terms below control.
- A. Illinois law governs the Franchise Agreement.
Item 17.w. of the Disclosure Document is revised to provide:
Rhode Island law applies.
As to franchises governed by the North Dakota franchise laws, if any of the terms of the Disclosure Document are inconsistent with the terms below, the terms below control.
Applicable Laws: North Dakota law will govern the franchise agreement.
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 Franchise Disclosure Document, the franchise agreement generally requires application of the laws of Virginia. However, this provision may not be enforceable under California law. For franchisees in Illinois, Illinois law governs the Franchise Agreement. For franchises governed by the Rhode Island Franchise Investment Act, Rhode Island law applies. For franchises governed by the North Dakota franchise laws, North Dakota law will govern the franchise agreement.
These stipulations mean that the specific legal framework governing the Zoomin Groomin franchise agreement can vary significantly depending on the franchisee's location. While the standard agreement specifies Virginia law, certain states have laws that supersede this clause to protect franchisees. This is a fairly common practice in franchising, as many states have franchise-specific laws designed to balance the power dynamic between franchisors and franchisees.
Prospective Zoomin Groomin franchisees should carefully consider which state's laws will govern their agreement, as this can impact their rights and obligations. It is essential to consult with a franchise attorney to understand the implications of these choice-of-law provisions and how they may affect the franchisee's specific circumstances. Franchisees should also be aware that even if the franchise agreement specifies a particular state's law, certain provisions may not be enforceable in their state of operation due to franchise-specific regulations.