Sec. 3. Sections 9 through 24 of this chapter do not apply to the offer or sale of a franchise if the franchisor either sells no more than one (1) franchise in Indiana in any twenty-four (24) month period or the franchisor:
(1) has a net worth:
(A) on a consolidated basis according to current financial statements certified by independent certified public accountants, of not less than five million dollars ($5,000,000); or
(B) according to current financial statements certified by independent certified public accountants of not less than one million dollars ($1,000,000) and is at least eighty percent (80%) owned by a corporation which has a net worth on a consolidated basis, according to current financial statements certified by independent certified public accountants, of not less than five million dollars ($5,000,000);
(2) has:
(A) had at least twenty-five (25) franchisees conducting business at all times during the five (5) year period immediately preceding the offer or sale; or
(B) conducted the business which is the subject of the franchise continuously for not less than five (5) years preceding the offer or sale;
or if any corporation which owns at least eighty percent (80%) of the franchisor has had at least twenty-five (25) franchisees conducting business at all times during the five (5) year period immediately preceding the offer or sale, or such corporation has conducted the business which is the subject of the franchise continuously for not less than five (5) years preceding the offer or sale; and
(3) discloses in writing to each prospective franchisee, at least ten (10) days prior to the execution by the prospective franchisee of a binding franchise or other agreement, or at least ten (10) days prior to the receipt of any consideration, whichever first occurs, the following information:
(A) The name of the franchisor, the name under which the franchisor is doing or intends to do business, and the name of any affiliate that will engage in business transactions with franchisees.
(B) The franchisor's principal business address and the name and address of its agent in Indiana authorized to receive service of process.
(C) The business form of the franchisor and the jurisdiction under which it was organized.
(D) The business experience of the franchisor, including the length of time the franchisor:
(i) has conducted a business of the type to be operated by the franchisee;
(ii) has granted franchises for that business; and
(iii) has granted franchises in other lines of business.
(E) A copy of the franchise contract proposed for use or in use in Indiana.
(F) A statement of the franchise fee charged, the proposed application of the proceeds of such fee by the franchisor, and the formula by which the amount of the fee is determined if the fee is not the same in all cases.
(G) A statement describing any payments other than franchise fees that the franchisee is required to pay to the franchisor or affiliated persons, including royalties or payments which the franchisor or affiliated persons collect in whole or in part on behalf of a third party or parties.
(H) A statement of the conditions under which the franchise may be terminated, renewal refused, or repurchased.
(I) A statement as to whether the franchisee is required to purchase from the franchisor or affiliates or their designee services, supplies, products, fixtures, or other goods relating to the establishment or operation of the franchised business, together with a description thereof.
(J) A statement as to whether the franchisee is limited in the goods or services offered by the franchisee to the franchisee's customers.
(K) A statement of the terms and conditions of any financing agreements.
(L) A statement of any past or present practice or of any intent of the franchisor to transfer to a third party any note, contract, or other obligation of the franchisee in whole or in part.
(M) If any financial statement concerning estimated profits or earnings is used, the data upon which the estimate is based.
(N) A statement as to whether the franchisee will receive an exclusive area or territory.
Formerly: Acts 1975, P.L.262, SEC.1. As amended by P.L.233-1985, SEC.1; P.L.152-2020, SEC.1.
Structure Indiana Code
Title 23. Business and Other Associations
Article 2. Securities and Franchises
23-2-2.5-0.5. Consideration of Franchisor as Employer or Co-Employer
23-2-2.5-2. Application of Chapter
23-2-2.5-4. Exempt Franchisees
23-2-2.5-5. Sales Exempted by Commissioner
23-2-2.5-6. Denial or Revocation of Exemptions; Grounds
23-2-2.5-7. Notice of Denial or Revocation of Exemptions; Hearing
23-2-2.5-8. Determination of Exemption; Request; Fee; Notice; Hearing; Order
23-2-2.5-9. Offer or Sale of Franchise; Requisites; Disclosure Statement
23-2-2.5-10.5. Registration of Franchise; Notification Form
23-2-2.5-11. Signatures and Verifications
23-2-2.5-12. Escrow or Impoundment of Franchise Fees; Inadequate Funding
23-2-2.5-13. Disclosure Statements
23-2-2.5-13.1. Material Change in Information; Amended Disclosure Statement Required
23-2-2.5-14. Stop Orders; Descriptions of Charges
23-2-2.5-15. Notice of Stop Order
23-2-2.5-16. Stop Orders; Vacating or Modifying
23-2-2.5-17. Effectiveness of Registration
23-2-2.5-18. Renewal of Registration; Period
23-2-2.5-23. Registration or Filing Not Considered Finding Upon Merits
23-2-2.5-24. Consent to Service of Process on Secretary of State
23-2-2.5-26. Advertisements Containing False Statements; Notification; Hearing
23-2-2.5-27. Fraud or Deceit Unlawful
23-2-2.5-28. Violations; Judgment; Damages; Interest; Attorney's Fees
23-2-2.5-29. Aiders and Abettors in Violations; Joint and Several Liability
23-2-2.5-30. Limitation of Actions
23-2-2.5-31. Survival of Actions
23-2-2.5-33. Investigations; Proceedings; Powers; Self-Incrimination
23-2-2.5-34. Violations; Orders and Notices; Hearing; Costs; Civil Penalties; Enforcement Action
23-2-2.5-36. Prosecution of Violations
23-2-2.5-37. Violations; Felony
23-2-2.5-38. Conduct Equivalent to Appointment of Secretary of State for Service of Process
23-2-2.5-39. Exemption or Classification; Burden of Proof
23-2-2.5-40. Certificate of Commissioner as Evidence
23-2-2.5-41. Statements and Documents Filed With Secretary of State as Evidence
23-2-2.5-42. Administration of Chapter
23-2-2.5-43. Fees and Funds; Accounting; Fees for Registration and Renewal
23-2-2.5-45. Assistance of Attorney General; Expenses
23-2-2.5-46. Liability for Performance of Official Duties
23-2-2.5-47. Construction and Purpose of Chapter
23-2-2.5-49. Construction With Other Laws
23-2-2.5-50. Administrative Orders and Procedures
23-2-2.5-51. Service Stations; Succession to Ownership by Family Member of Deceased Franchisee