Dhananjay Patel & Others v. 7-Eleven, Inc.; Dp Milk Street Inc. & Others, Third-Party

Summary

The court answered no to the certified question whether the plaintiffs performed any service for 7-Eleven under the Massachusetts independent contractor statute. Although the franchisees operated their stores under contractual obligations designed to preserve 7-Eleven's brand and paid a percentage-based franchise charge, they operated independent businesses for themselves rather than performing labor for 7-Eleven or its customers. The court held that these circumstances therefore did not satisfy the statute's threshold inquiry. No separate opinions were filed.