Rhode Island General Laws Title 19. Financial Institutions § 19-28.1-28. Service of process

(a) A person who offers or sells a franchise subject to the registration requirements of this act in this state shall file with the director an irrevocable consent to service of process appointing the director as the person's agent to receive service of process in a civil action or proceeding arising under this act.

(b) A person who offers or sells a franchise in this state without filing a consent to service of process is deemed to appoint the director as the person's agent to receive service of process in a civil action or proceeding arising under this act.

(c) A person may effect service of process under this section by service on the director. The time to respond begins to run when the person sends notice of the service and a copy of the process by certified mail to the defendant or respondent or attorney of record at its last address on file with the director. If no address is on file with the director, the time to respond begins to run when the process is served on the director. The plaintiff shall file an affidavit of compliance with the court or tribunal hearing the matter.