Current and former franchisees of Stratus Franchising, LLC, a commercial cleaning business tried to use the RICO Act (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization Act) to assert violations but failed as Stratus Group moved to enforce the individual arbitration provisions within the franchise agreements. The franchisees argued the arbitration provision (a broad standard-form arbitration provision) was “unconscionable” which means it was oppressive, harsh, and unfair – basically calling Stratus Group cheaters & liars. The franchisees also said the other companies (Stratus Group) that didn’t even sign the agreements so they couldn’t try and enforce the agreements; the franchisees lost both of those battles.