DocketNumber: 40 and 41
Judges: Eagen, O'Brien, Roberts, Pomeroy, Nix, Manderino, Packel
Filed Date: 8/10/1978
Status: Precedential
Modified Date: 10/19/2024
OPINION OF THE COURT
In these cross-appeals, we hold that the trial court erred in: (1) directing a verdict entitling Atlantic Richfield Company (Arco) to take possession of the Arco service station Razumic operated for over twenty years; and (2) denying Razumic’s motion for a new trial on his counterclaim for damages arising out of Arco’s attempted termination of a franchise agreement.
I. PROCEDURAL HISTORY
In 1953, William Razumic, his partner Robert Mowry, and Arco signed a printed form “DEALER LEASE” prepared by Arco authorizing Razumic and Mowry to operate a newly constructed Arco service station in Monroeville. Razumic and Mowry invested more than $5,000 of borrowed funds in inventory, equipment, and working capital. Arco financed their first supply of gasoline and the pair opened for business.
Mowry died one year later, but Razumic continued to operate the station. Over the years, Razumic and Arco signed numerous writings, all of which resembled the first form. The parties also signed additional form writings prepared by Arco concerning such matters as purchase of fuel from Arco and check cashing privileges for Arco credit card customers. Razumic participated in many of Arco’s promotional campaigns, and one year was named one of the top ten Arco retailers in the Pittsburgh area. An Arco marketing representative characterized Razumic as an “excellent dealer.”
On June 29, 1973, Arco notified Razumic that his “DEALER LEASE” would not be renewed. Arco directed Razumic to leave the premises by August 1, 1973, the last day of the term stated in the writing. On July 31, Arco likewise notified Razumic that the Hertz parking lot lease would not be renewed and gave him one month to vacate the premises. When Razumic refused to vacate the station property, Arco discontinued his supply of gasoline and filed a Landlord and Tenant Complaint with the District Justice for Monroeville. The District Justice entered judgment for Arco, directing Razumic to deliver the station premises to Arco and awarded Arco damages for Razumic’s detention of the premises beyond the expiration date set forth in the form “DEALER LEASE.” Razumic appealed to the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, filed a bond, and obtained a supersede-as.
Arco then filed a “Complaint in Assumpsit” in the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, seeking fair rental value of the premises while Razumic remained in possession beyond the term stated in the “DEALER LEASE,” and a “Complaint in Ejectment,” seeking possession of both the service station and parking lot properties. Razumic answered and raised “New Matter and Counterclaim,” requesting damages in excess of $10,000 for what Razumic characterized as Arco’s wrongful attempt to terminate their business
After both parties presented evidence, the trial court granted Arco’s motions for a directed verdict of possession of both the service station and Hertz parking lot and for a compulsory nonsuit on Razumic’s counterclaim. The trial court submitted to the jury Arco’s claim for damages for Razumic’s allegedly wrongful detention of both premises. The jury awarded Arco damages of $200 per month for Razumic’s detention of the Hertz parking lot and returned no award for the service station property. Razumic moved to set aside the compulsory nonsuit and for judgment notwithstanding the verdict and a new trial, while Arco sought a new trial on the issue of damages for Razumic’s detention of the service station. The trial court denied the motions and both parties appealed to the Superior Court, which affirmed without opinion. We granted Razumic’s and Arco’s petitions for allowance of appeal.
In his pleadings, at trial, and on appeal to this Court, Razumic has urged that he and Arco were parties to a franchise agreement Arco could not terminate at will. Arco, on the other hand, has contended throughout that the dealership agreement could be terminated for any reason. We agree with Razumic.
A. The Nature of The Agreement
The 1970 printed form signed by Arco and Razumic, captioned a “DEALER LEASE,” identifies Arco as “lessor” and Razumic “lessee,” and uses those terms to define the parties’ rights and obligations. The instrument sets the “term” of the “lease” at three years, requires “lessee” to pay taxes and various utilities and “maintain and keep in good order the leased premises.” The printed form provides that “lessee’s” right of possession shall not extend “beyond the period of LESSOR’S right thereto.” The form also recites that “[t]his lease contains the entire agreement of the parties and its execution has not been induced by any representation, understanding, or agreement of any kind other than those herein expressed” and “cannot be amended except by written instrument duly executed by both parties.” Nothing in the writing sets forth the parties’ rights and obligations concerning renewal of the agreement. Arco contends the above provisions, coupled with the absence of an express provision governing renewal, demonstrate that the parties contemplated a landlord and tenant relationship, terminable by either party upon expiration of the term of occupancy. See Sterle v. Galiardi Coal & Coke Co., 168 Pa.Super. 254, 77 A.2d 669 (1951) (covenants for continued renewal of leasehold interest will not be inferred); 51C C.J.S. Landlord and Tenant §§ 54 et seq. (1968).
To determine an agreement, a writing must be interpreted as a whole, giving effect to all its provisions. Shehadi v. Northeastern Nat. Bk. of Pa., 474 Pa. 232, 378 A.2d 304 (1977); Buchanan v. Brentwood Federal Savings & Loan Ass’n, 457 Pa. 135, 320 A.2d 117 (1974); Restatement
“[T]he sole purpose and use of the leased premises shall be the lawful, diligent and businesslike operation of a first-class automotive service station retailing petroleum products and TBA merchandise [tires, batteries, and accessories] normally handled at competitive service station outlets. Recognizing that compliance with such authorized purpose and use is essential for the accomplishment of LESSOR’S desire to obtain a fair rental consistent with the reasonable value of the service station business potential of the leased premises, LESSEE agrees that he will use the leased premises only for the purpose and in the manner above designated.”
Thus, the agreement required Razumic to live up to highest business standards while he served as an Arco “dealer.” Various provisions of the writing outline the scope of Razumic’s and Arco’s business venture. The writing fixes rent on the basis of total gallons of fuel sold per month, using “LESSOR’S then current FRANCHISE RENT SCHEDULE.” The writing requires Razumic to submit a “certified, itemized statement showing all information necessary for the proper calculation of the rental” and authorizes Arco to audit “at all reasonable times” Razumic’s books and records concerning sale of fuel. The writing prohibits “absentee operation” and “subletting” and does not allow Razumic to “make any additions, alterations, or improvement to the leased premises nor place, alter, remove, deface, or obliterate any signs, trademarks or color arrangements appearing thereon” without first obtaining Arco’s consent. The writing also contemplates Razumic’s retail sale of fuel
Standardized “riders” accompanying the “DEALER LEASE” further spell out the nature of Razumic’s and Arco’s business relationship. One rider allows Arco to enter the premises “in its exclusive judgment, to establish a change in its trade name or other business identification and in the trademark of trade name designations of its products, including, but not limited to, painting of the service station improvements, equipment and facilities, or any part or portion thereof, and installation or replacement of signs and signboards.” Another rider sets forth Razumic’s agreement to “operate the Service Station in such a manner as to reflect favorably on ATLANTIC’S goodwill, trademarks and trade names and take no action that will tend to discredit ATLANTIC in any way,” operate the service station twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, maintain inventory sufficient to fulfill customer needs, arrange and display inventory, advertisements, and sales promotions in a “lawful, orderly and attractive manner,” illuminate the station in the evening and early morning hours and other times “as required for safety and to attract the motoring public,” and “maintain adequate and efficient attendants to properly serve LESSEE’S customers during all hours of operation.”
We believe that the 1970 writing and its riders embody a franchise agreement.
“In its simplest terms, a franchise is a license from the owner of a trademark or trade name permitting another to sell a product or service under the name or mark. More broadly stated, the franchise has evolved into an elaborate agreement by which the franchisee undertakes to conduct a business or sell a product or service in accordance with methods and procedures prescribed by the franchisor, and the franchisor undertakes to assist the franchisee through advertising, promotion and other advisory services.”
“[T]he cornerstone of a franchise system must be the trademark or trade name of a product. It is this uniformity of product and control of its quality and distribution which causes the public to turn to franchise stores for the product.”
Susser v. Carvel Corp., 206 F.Supp. 636, 640 (S.D.N.Y.1962), aff’d, 332 F.2d 505 (2d Cir. 1964).
Razumic’s undisputed testimony concerning performance pursuant to the parties’ agreement sheds light on the writing. Razumic stated that he regularly spent his own funds to participate in Arco promotions which offered gifts to the public, purchased fuel and other products from Arco, and had no choice but to operate his station twenty-four hours a day. He further testified Arco requested that his employees wear uniforms with Arco insignias, which he rented and maintained at his own expense. Arco and Ra
B. Terminating The Franchise Relationship
The writing provides Arco the right to terminate' the “lease” should Razumic abandon the premises or close them “for a period of seventy-two hours.” Razumic’s negligence or willful misconduct causing damages to a substantial portion of the premises gives Arco “the right to terminate this lease without liability.” Razumic’s failure to make timely payment of rent, his death or insolvency, or governmental taking also permit Arco to terminate the “lease.” Further, Razumic’s “fail[ure] to comply with any of his other obligations” set forth in the writing permits Arco to terminate the agreement if Razumic fails to remedy the situation after fifteen days’ notice of non-compliance.
The lone provision of the writing which could support Arco’s termination of the comprehensive franchise agreement is that setting a three year term of occupancy. This provision does not, however, confer upon Arco the right to terminate the franchise agreement at its pleasure.
When the motoring public stops at an Arco service station such as the one operated by Razumic for over twenty years, Arco hopes that the dealer will provide service that will be remembered favorably and produce continued patronage at not only that particular station but wherever motorists see the Arco sign. See generally Treece, “Trademark Licensing And Vertical Restraints In Franchising Arrangements,” 116 U.Pa.L.Rev. 435, 436-39 (1968). Correspondingly, Arco here has over the years sought every assurance from Razumic that he will use his best efforts in selling, displaying, promoting, and merchandising Arco products and attracting, serving, and satisfying Arco customers.
An Arco dealer has his own expectations. He knows that his good service will in many instances produce regular customers. He also realizes, however, that much of his trade will be attracted because his station offers the products,
In exchange, an Arco dealer such as Razumic can justifiably expect that his time, effort, and other investments promoting the goodwill of Arco will not be destroyed as a result of Arco’s arbitrary decision to terminate their franchise relationship. Consistent with these reasonable expectations, and Arco’s obligation to deal with its franchisees in good faith and in a commercially reasonable manner,
The weight of commentary has argued in favor of judicial recognition that the nature of a franchise agreement imposes a duty upon franchisors not to act arbitrarily in terminating the franchise agreement. E. g., Gellhorn, “Limitations on Contract Termination Rights — Franchise Cancellations,” 1967 Duke L.J. 465; C. Hewitt, “Good Faith or Unconscionability — Franchisee Remedies For Termination,” 29 Bus.Law. 227 (1973). The Supreme Court of Utah has concluded that where parties to a “chain-style” franchise agreement do not expressly provide for termination of a franchise agreement without cause, it is reasonable to presume that the franchisor agrees not to terminate the franchisee’s tenure arbitrarily. Seegmiller v. Western Men, Inc., 20 Utah 2d 352, 437 P.2d 892 (1968). The Supreme Court of New Jersey has held that the New Jersey Franchise Practices Act, N.J.S.A. 56:10-1 et seq., proscribing a franchisor’s termination of franchise agreements except for just cause, embodies poli
Our judgment is consistent with not only this current authority, but also that of the Legislature. The Act of November 26,1975, P.L. 454, §§ 1 et seq., 73 P.S. §§ 202-1 et seq. (Supp.1978), prohibits suppliers of petroleum products from cancelling, terminating, or failing to renew agreements with dealers except in very limited, business-related situations. Id., § 3(b), 73 P.S. § 202-3(b).
For the above reasons, the writing’s leasehold terminology stating a three year term of occupancy does not govern the duration of the comprehensive contractual business relationship between Razumic and Arco. Rather, the language establishes a right of occupancy which the franchisee Razumic can reasonably expect will not be abruptly halted. Consistent with Razumic’s reasonable expectations, principles of good faith and commercial reasonableness, Arco may not arbitrarily recover possession of the service station and thereby summarily terminate the franchise relationship. Accordingly, the trial court erred in directing a verdict authorizing Arco to take possession of the service station property and we therefore grant Razumic a new trial.
III. THE COUNTERCLAIM FOR DAMAGES
Razumic asserts that the trial court erred in granting Arco’s motion for a compulsory nonsuit on his counterclaim for damages caused by Arco’s attempted termination of their franchise agreement and should have granted his motion for a new trial on the issues of damages.
At trial, Razumic testified on his own behalf concerning his Hertz franchise. On cross-examination, Arco sought to discredit Razumic’s statement that he and Hertz had only one agreement since 1957 by showing him a subsequent writing he and Hertz signed. Razumic also testified concerning damages. On cross-examination, Arco used Razumic’s 1970 federal income tax return to attack Razumic’s testimony regarding the station’s profitability.
Upon completion of Razumic’s case, Arco moved for a compulsory nonsuit, and argued the motion. Before Razumic argued against the motion, Arco offered the Hertz agreement and tax return. Four days later, the trial court granted Arco’s motion.
A motion for a compulsory nonsuit allows a defendant to test the sufficiency of a plaintiff’s evidence. Francioni v. Gibsonia Truck Corp., 472 Pa. 362, 372 A.2d 736 (1977); Yohe v. Yohe, 466 Pa. 405, 353 A.2d 417 (1976). To assure that the trial court considers the motion only on the basis of evidence favorable to the plaintiff, the Act expressly limits the court’s authority to grant a nonsuit to those instances where a defendant has “offer[ed] no evidence.” Our cases have strictly enforced the terms of the Act, prohibiting the trial court from granting the motion where the defendant offers evidence either during the plaintiff’s case, Highland Tank & Mfg. Co. v. Duerr, 423 Pa. 487, 225 A.2d 83 (1966); Catanzaro v. Pennsylvania R. Co., 230 Pa. 305, 79 A. 624 (1911), or after it. F. W. Wise Co. v. Beech Creek R. Co., 437 Pa. 389, 263 A.2d 313 (1970); Jordan v. Sun Life Assurance Co. of Canada, 366 Pa. 495, 77 A.2d 631 (1951). We have even held that where the defendant ex
Here, though Arco did not offer the Hertz agreement and the 1970 federal tax return until after it argued for a nonsuit, the trial court still had before it Arco’s evidence when it evaluated the motion. We think the express language of the Act of March 11, 1875 and our cases strictly interpreting it compel the conclusion that the court could not enter a nonsuit because Arco had offered evidence.
Arco alternatively contends that, even if its offer of evidence prevented the trial court from entertaining the motion, the error was harmless because Razumic failed to meet his burden of showing damages. We do not agree. At trial, Professor Walter Dolde testified for Razumic concerning the likely loss of income resulting from Arco’s termination of the parties’ business relationship. Dolde calculated that Razumic would likely receive a greater future income as an Arco dealer and Hertz franchisee than he would without a supply of gasoline while still marketing other automotive services and renting Hertz vehicles. We think this evidence was sufficient to prove damages resulting from Arco’s arbitrary, unlawful termination of the parties’ franchise agreement and therefore Razumic must be awarded a new trial on this issue.
IV. CONCLUSION
In its cross-appeal, Arco asserts that the trial court erred in denying its motion for a new trial on detention damages. Arco contends that the court’s directed verdict of possession in an action in ejectment conclusively established its right to detention damages, and therefore the trial court erred in allowing the jury to consider whether Arco fulfilled its “duty to mitigate.” According to Arco, this resulted in the jury’s award of “no damages” for Razumic’s detention of the service station.
Accordingly, the order of the Superior Court at No. 40 March Term, 1977 is reversed, the order at No. 41 March Term, 1977 is vacated, and the case is remanded for a new trial.
. We hear these cross-appeals pursuant to the Appellate Court Jurisdiction Act of 1970, Act of July 31, 1970, P.L. 673, art. II, § 204(a), 17 P.S. § 211.204(a) (Supp.1978). Razumic is the appellant in No. 40 March Term, 1977, and appellee in No. 41 March Term, 1977. Arco is the appellee in No. 40 March Term, 1977, and appellant in No. 41 March Term, 1977.
. Razumic’s pleadings and evidence demonstrate that his counterclaim was for damages caused by Arco’s attempted termination of the “DEALER LEASE” agreement, which Razumic throughout has argued embodies a franchise agreement. The record indicates that Razumic did not attempt to recover damages for Arco’s termination of the Hertz parking lot lease.
. Eight days before trial, Razumic sought leave to amend his “New Matter and Counterclaim” to include allegations of price-fixing in violation of the Sherman Act, 15 U.S.C.A. §§ 1 et seq., and “the laws of . Pennsylvania.” The trial court refused to allow amendment. Razumic has not appealed from that ruling, but contends that the trial court should have allowed him to introduce evidence of price-fixing, at variance with his pleadings, showing Arco’s attempted termination of the agreement was prompted by Razumic’s failure to adhere to Arco’s pricing policy. In view of our disposition, we need not reach this issue.
. Razumic does not challenge the trial court’s directed verdict of possession authorizing Arco to take possession of the Hertz parking lot. He remains in possession of the service station pending outcome of this appeal. So far as the record indicates, Arco is not presently supplying Razumic petroleum products. In Atlantic Richfield Co. v. Zarb, 532 F.2d 1363 (Em.App.1976), the Temporary Emergency Court of Appeals upheld a district court order invalidating an order of the Federal Agency Administration directing Arco to supply Razumic pending outcome of these proceedings.
. Accord, Weight Watchers of Quebec Ltd. v. Weight Watchers International, Inc., 398 F.Supp. 1047 (E.D.N.Y.1975); H&R Block, Inc. v. Lovelace, 208 Kan. 538, 493 P.2d 205 (1972); Collison, “Trademarks — The Cornerstone of a Franchise System,” 24 Sw.L.J. 247 (1970); Hewitt, “Termination of Dealer Franchises and the Code— Mixing Classified & Coordinated Uncertainty With Conflict,” 22 Bus.Law. 1075 (1967); 15 Business Organizations, Glickman, Franchising § 2.01; 62 Am.Jur.2d, Private Franchise Contracts § 1; see generally United States v. Arnold, Schwinn & Co., 388 U.S. 365, 386-87, 87 S.Ct. 1856, 1869-70, 18 L.Ed.2d 1249 (1967) (Stewart, J., joined by Harlan, J., concurring in part and dissenting in part).
. Though our prior cases limited a court’s use of evidence of course of performance to aid interpretation to instances where the writing is ambiguous, see e. g., Maguire v. Osborne, 384 Pa. 430, 121 A.2d 147 (1956), we agree with the draftsmen of the Restatement (Second) of Contracts that:
“[t]he parties to an agreement know best what they meant, and their action under it is often the strongest evidence of their meaning.”
Restatement (Second) of Contracts § 228 Comment g (Tent.Draft No. 5, 1970). Thus, we follow the Restatement (Second), id., Comment a, and conclude that course of performance is always relevant in interpreting a writing. Accord, Uniform Commercial Code, Act of April 6, 1953, P.L. 3, § 2-202 Comment 1(c), 12A P.S. § 2-202 Comment 1(c) (1970).
. The Hertz parking lot lease, also a printed form supplied by Arco, containing a provision authorizing termination by either party at will, underscores the absence of an express clause governing Arco’s right to terminate the franchise agreement at will. The form instrument contains the following typed provision:
“NOTWITHSTANDING any conditions contained herein to the contrary, it is hereby mutually agreed that either LESSOR or TENANT may cancel this lease, with or without cause, by giving to the other 30 days prior written notice.”
. Restatement (Second) of Contracts, supra at § 231 (imposing standard of good faith on contracting parties); Hewitt, “Termination of Dealer Franchises and the Code — Mixing Classified and Coordinated Uncertainty With Conflict,” 22 Bus.Law. 1075, 1086 (1967); cf. Uniform Commercial Code, § 1-102(3) (imposing same standard in commercial transactions involving sale of goods).
. Our holding today does not sweep as far as Shell Oil Co. v. Marinello, 63 N.J. 402, 307 A.2d 598 (1973), or Ashland Oil, Inc. v. Donahue, W.Va., 223 S.E.2d 433 (1976), where the courts refused to enforce express provisions of writings authorizing petroleum suppliers to terminate franchise agreements with their dealers without good cause. Here, the writing and its riders contain no such express provisions.
. Section 3(b) of the Act, 73 P.S. § 202-3(b) provides:
“It shall be a violation of this act for any lessor supplier to directly or indirectly terminate, cancel or fail to renew an agreement with the lessee dealer unless the termination, cancellation or failure to renew is for one of the following reasons:
(1) The lessee dealer has abandoned or has given notice of its intention to abandon the leased premises, in which event the requirement of 90 days’ notice need not be given.
(2) The lessee dealer has filed for or has been declared bankrupt or has petitioned for a reorganization, creditor arrangement or insolvency under the applicable statutes.
(3) A dissolution of a partnership or corporation or other entity carrying on the business.
(4) The lessor supplier has lost its right to grant possession of the premises.
(5) Wilful or malicious destruction of the property of the lessor supplier by the lessee dealer or someone over whom he has control or should have exercised control.
*380 (6) Failure to pay financial obligations to the lessor supplier when due including, but not limited to, rents or payment for gasoline, petroleum products or accessories supplied to the lessee dealer by the lessor supplier.
(7) Adulteration, commingling, or mislabeling or misbranding of products supplied by the lessor supplier.
(8) Failure by the lessee dealer to comply with Federal, State or local laws or regulations which are related to the operation of the gasoline service station business and which may affect the relationship between the lessor supplier and the lessee dealer and such failure to comply therewith has or may have an adverse effect on the lessor supplier.
(9) Conviction of the lessee dealer of a criminal offense which is related to the operation of the business or would affect the ability of the lessee dealer to operate the business or would tend to defame the reputation of the lessor supplier.”
. Section 3(d) of the Act, 73 P.S. § 202-3(d) provides:
“(d) In determining whether or not an agreement shall be terminated, cancelled or not renewed the failure or refusal of the lessee dealer to do any of the following shall not be grounds for such action:
(1) Refusal by the lessee dealer to take part in promotional campaigns of the lessor supplier’s products.
(2) Failure by the lessee dealer to meet sales quotas suggested by the lessor supplier.
(3) Refusal by the lessee dealer to sell gasoline or other products at a price suggested by the lessor supplier.
(4) Refusal by the lessee dealer to keep the premises operating and open during those hours which are proven by the lessee dealer to be unprofitable.
(5) Refusal by the lessee dealer to give the lessor supplier financial records of the operation which are not related or necessary to the lessee dealer’s obligations under the agreement.”
. Other jurisdictions, including Delaware, Michigan, and New Jersey, have enacted similar legislation placing limitations upon the authority of franchisors to terminate franchise relationships with franchisees arbitrarily. See P. Baird, J. Hay, & J. Bailey, “Government Regulation of Real Estate Franchising,” 12 Real Prop.Prob. & Trust J. 580, 595-96 n.83 (1977) (citing statutes).
. Weilersbacher v. Pittsburgh Brewing Co., 421 Pa. 118, 218 A.2d 806 (1966), holding that a supplier or distributor of beer may terminate at will an oral agreement silent on duration and not entered into in circumstances demonstrating the parties intended otherwise, is not to the contrary. The business relationship before us is far more complex than the supplier-distributor relationship presented in Weilersbacher and the parties here can reasonably entertain different expectations of each other.
. Razumic did not seek damages for Arco’s termination of the Hertz parking lot lease. See supra note 2.
. Section 1 of the Act of March 11, 1875 provides:
“Whenever the defendant, upon the trial of a cause in any court of common pleas of this commonwealth, shall offer no evidence, it shall be lawful for the judge presiding at the trial to order a judgment of nonsuit to be entered, if, in his opinion, the plaintiff shall have given no evidence as in law is sufficient to maintain the action . . . .”