Column Franchise+ – mr. J Sterk: “Court orders fast food chain to extend franchise agreement
The right to extend the franchise agreement
The case is set to begin this year. The franchisee has been refusing for years to sign the new franchise agreement that is offered upon renewal, as this would entail a deterioration of his legal position. However, the franchisor considers the existing franchise agreement outdated and strives for uniformity. However, the franchisee wants to negotiate the content with his lawyer first. The franchisor does not like this and points out that due to the conflict that has arisen and the interference of the lawyer, fruitful cooperation would no longer be possible. The franchisor then terminates the franchise agreement. The franchisee then starts summary proceedings. The court is of the opinion that the franchisor was too hasty and should have negotiated the terms of the extension with the franchisee and his lawyer. The franchisor is sentenced to extend the franchise agreement until an irrevocable decision has been made in proceedings on the merits that have apparently yet to be started, and that can take years, including an appeal and possibly even cassation.
Other messages
Interests Association of Franchisees of the Netherlands (BVFN) is in further consultation with the Minister
On April 16, 2014, the previously announced meeting between the Belangen Vereniging Franchisenemers Nederland (BVFN) and the Ministry of Economic Affairs took place.
Exoneration of duty of care with the franchisor’s prognosis
In a judgment of the Overijssel court of 9 April 2014, the interesting question arose whether a collaboration should be qualified as a franchise.
Non-competition clause is lost in summary proceedings
Recently, the preliminary relief judge in Rotterdam ruled that a franchisee was not bound by the non-competition clause included in the franchise agreement.
Advance on compensation after an unsound prognosis
In a beautifully substantiated summary judgment of the Northern Netherlands Court of 9 April 2014, the question was whether an advance should be paid for the damage assessment procedure.
Collection point requires shopping destination
In my supermarket newsletter of July 11, 2013, I already predicted that the establishment of collection points for goods ordered via the internet would set the judicial pens in motion.
Developments and sales via the internet.
Developments and sales via the internet.