Item 3: Litigation

Disclosure of certain lawsuits involving the franchisor, affiliates or key executives.

What is Item 3

Item 3 summarizes material litigation involving the franchisor, its affiliates and its executives. This includes pending actions, past convictions, civil judgments and administrative claims.


Why Item 3 Matters

Litigation disclosures help prospects evaluate:

  • legal risks

  • system stability

  • enforcement trends

  • past disputes involving franchisees

High litigation volume is a red flag for many buyers.


What Item 3 Must Include

Item 3 must disclose:

  • pending lawsuits

  • criminal convictions

  • certain civil actions

  • administrative or regulatory actions

  • franchisee related litigation involving the system

  • material claims resolved in the last fiscal year


Related Terms

Franchise Disclosure Document
FDD Renewal
Material Change
Franchise Examiner
Franchise Exemption
Notice Filing State
Non Registration State
Registration Filing State
Stop Order


Related Features

Franchise Registration Management 
Franchise Territory Mapping
Demographic Analysis
Integrated Document Signing
CRM Tools


Related Blogs

Understanding Multi-Unit Franchise Structures: Models, Territory Building, and Mapping with Zors
2025 Guide to Franchise Registration States in the U.S.
State Franchise Registration: What Franchisors Need to Know Before Expanding
Zors Improves Franchise Registration Tracking With Color-Coded Map Status
Why a Federally Registered Trademark Matters When Offering Franchise Opportunities
E-Signature Integration with a Territory-Centric CRM Is a Game-Changer


Last updated: November 26, 2025