Franchise Arbitration

Case Types

Rules & Fees

FAQ

How it Works

Clauses

Successful franchise relationships provide mutual benefits for the Franchisee and the Franchisor; nonetheless, disputes between the parties may occur. These disputes can be resolved or decided outside of the courtroom using arbitration.

FORUM administers these franchise arbitration procedures using its sophisticated technology, knowledgeable case management teams, and skilled arbitrators with expertise in the franchising domain.

The result is a predictable, efficient, and affordable resolution that allows the parties to return their focus to building and maintaining successful franchising business relationships.

FORUM Guide to Franchise Arbitration

Everything you want to know about franchise arbitration is included in this comprehensive guide, including: arbitration clause language, pre-hearing issues, and arbitration proceeding and post-award considerations.

Franchise Arbitration Examples

FORUM administers arbitration and mediation proceedings for all types of franchise disputes, including:

Territorial issues
Franchise terminations
Franchise valuation or sales
Intellectual property use or infringement
Compliance with franchise agreement standards
Other franchise issues

Territorial issues
Franchise terminations
Compliance with franchise agreement standards
Intellectual property use or infringement
Franchise valuation or sales
Other franchise issues

Franchise Arbitration Rules, Fees and Forms

Rules

Fees

Forms

Code of Procedure for Resolving Franchise Disputes

Franchise Arbitration FAQ

Please review the Summary of Procedures before getting started.

What if the parties do not have an agreement to arbitrate or the agreement does not list FORUM as the administrator?

If all parties agree to arbitrate and agree to FORUM as the administrator, the arbitration may proceed if the parties jointly sign a post-dispute agreement to arbitrate found on FORUM’s website here.

What information do I need to file an initial claim?

The information required to file an arbitration claim with FORUM is set forth in Rule 2.7 of FORUM’s Code of Procedure for Resolving Franchise Disputes.

How do I file an initial claim?

A party may file an initial claim by any of the methods below:

Online: here

Email: file@adrforum.com

Mail:
FORUM
5775 Wayzata Blvd.
Suite 960
Minneapolis, MN 55416

Fax: 952-345-1160

Please see Rules 2.1 and 2.2 for more information before filing.

How long will the process take?

The length of time the arbitration process may take varies on the schedules of the parties, their representatives, and the arbitrator(s) appointed to the case, as well as the complexity of the dispute. FORUM does everything in its power to move the process along in an efficient and fair manner and cases can be resolved in a year or less.

Am I able to represent myself?

Yes. Please refer to Rule 1.3. Please note, however, that neither FORUM nor the arbitrator(s) may assist the parties in preparing or presenting their case, as neither are permitted to provide legal advice. FORUM can answer procedural questions regarding the process in general.

How do FORUM’s Franchise Rules and Procedures differ?

FORUM has a roster of neutrals experienced in franchise disputes and special procedures built into the rules to promote efficiency and fairness.

How to use FORUM for Franchise Arbitration

Step 1: Generate a Clause

Draft an arbitration clause using our Clause Drafting Guide or use our online Clause Generator to structure a dispute resolution approach that is customized for your needs.

Step 2: Include the Clause in your Contract

Include the clause in your contracts to use the FORUM Franchise ruleset and define FORUM as your administrator of choice.

Step 3: File or Respond to a Claim

Initiate or respond to a claim using our online tools.

Step 4: Engage in the Arbitration Process

FORUM will facilitate the appointment of an arbitrator or panel under the applicable rules, facilitate parties’ filings, and schedule any hearings. The arbitrator or panel will issue an award.

FORUM Arbitration Clause Generator

FORUM's Clause Generator is an intuitive, easy-to-use tool that helps you determine which elements to include in your arbitration clause. Clause Generator automatically builds the clause for you so you can copy/paste it into your agreement.