Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 20040.5 : CALIFORNIA BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONS CODE — SPECIAL BUSINESS REGULATIONS — FRANCHISE RELATIONS — VENUE OF DISPUTES — Provision restricting venue to forum outside state void TEXT PDF A provision in a franchise agreement restricting venue to a forum outside this state is void with respect to any claim arising under or relating to a franchise agreement involving a franchise business operating within this state. Ca. Bus. and Prof'l. Code § 20040.5 Added by Stats. 1994, Ch. 1277, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 1995.