Jurisdiction of the subdistrict court in cases of misrepresentation
Court of Arnhem
The assessment of disputes about a (sub)lease agreement is assigned by law to the specialist sub-district court, while disputes about a franchise agreement are, in principle, assessed by the ‘normal’ (civil) court. In franchising, it is very common that, in addition to the conclusion of a franchise agreement, a (sub)lease agreement is also concluded between the franchisor and the franchisee. Which court has jurisdiction if the franchisee invokes the voidability of both agreements?
As discussed earlier on this website, the answer to this question seems to be easily answered on the basis of the law. However, it appears from the various case law that can be found on this subject that this apparent simplicity is apparently apparent and that different courts look at this matter in different ways.
The Court of Arnhem recently issued a ruling that appears to be based directly on the law and therefore promotes legal certainty. The case, briefly summarized, is as follows. In the ‘normal’ civil court, the franchisor cs not only claim a franchise fee from a franchisee, but also rent payments under a (sub)lease agreement. The franchisee defends himself by stating that he has erred, for which reason, in his view, both the franchise agreement and the rental agreement should be nullified. The court is of the opinion that, now that there is a concurrence of claims that also relate to a (sub)lease agreement, a subdistrict court judge should assess the case. Referral will follow.
Mr JH Kolenbrander – Franchise lawyer
Ludwig & Van Dam Franchise attorneys, franchise legal advice Would you like to respond? Mail to coalbrander@ludwigvandam.nl
Other messages
Infringement of franchisee’s exclusivity rights: franchisor liable
Franchise agreements often contain exclusivity provisions that give franchisees exclusive rights
Advantage in the event of an illegal supply stop
Advantage in the event of an illegal supply stop
No contractual penalty for non-compete violation
No contractual penalty for non-compete violation
The AD of September 14, 2016, mr. Alex Dolphijn of Ludwig & Van Dam about wanting to share with franchisees in the online revenue of franchisor web shops.
The AD of September 14, 2016, mr. Alex Dolphijn of Ludwig & Van Dam about wanting to share with franchisees in the online revenue of franchisor web shops.
Interview Mr. Alex W. Dolphijn at BNR Nieuwsradio about the further escalation of Bruna’s long-running conflict with its franchisees
Interview Mr. Alex W. Dolphijn at BNR Nieuwsradio about the further escalation of Bruna's long-running conflict with its franchisees
Front page of Het Financieele Dagblad and on page 3 dated 8 September 2016; mr. Alex Dolphijn of Ludwig & Van Dam about the further escalation of Bruna’s long-running conflict with its franchisees.
Front page of Het Financieele Dagblad and on page 3 dated 8 September 2016; mr. Alex Dolphijn of Ludwig & Van Dam about the further escalation of Bruna's long-running conflict with its franchisee