How does the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act affect the Alloy franchise agreement's provisions summarized in Item 17?
Alloy Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
is amended to include the following statement: The Virginia State Corporation Commission's Division of Securities and Retail Franchising requires us to defer payment of the initial franchise fee and other initial payments owed by franchisee to the franchisor until the franchisor has completed its pre-opening obligations under the area development agreement.
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- In all other respects, the Area Development Agreement will be construed and enforced according to its terms.
Each of the undersigned hereby acknowledges having read and understood this Addendum and consents to be bound by all of its terms.
FRANCHISOR: Alloy Personal Training, LLC DEVELOPER:
WASHINGTON ADDENDUM TO THE FRANCHISE DISCLOSURE DOCUMENT, THE FRANCHISE AGREEMENT, AND ALL RELATED AGREEMENTS
The provisions of this Addendum form an integral part of, are incorporated into, and modify the Franchise Disclosure Document, the franchise agreement, and all related agreements regardless of anything to the contrary contained therein. This Addendum applies if: (a) the offer to sell a franchise is accepted in Washington; (b) the purchaser of the franchise is a resident of Washington; and/or (c) the franchised business that is the subject of the sale is to be located or operated, wholly or partly, in Washington.
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- Conflict of Laws. In the event of a conflict of laws, the provisions of the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act, chapter 19.100 RCW will prevail.
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- Franchisee Bill of Rights. RCW 19.100.180 may supersede provisions in the franchise agreement or related agreements concerning your relationship with the franchisor, including in the areas of termination and renewal of your franchise. There may also be court decisions that supersede the franchise agreement or related agreements concerning your relationship with the franchisor. Franchise agreement provisions, including those summarized in Item 17 of the Franchise Disclosure Document, are subject to state law.
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- Site of Arbitration, Mediation, and/or Litigation. In any arbitration or mediation involving a franchise purchased in Washington, the arbitration or mediation site will be either in the state of Washington, or in a place mutually agreed upon at the time of the arbitration or mediation, or as determined by the arbitrator or mediator at the time of arbitration or mediation. In addition, if litigation is not precluded by the franchise agreement, a franchisee may bring an action or proceeding arising out of or in connection with the sale of franchises, or a violation of the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act, in Washington.
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- General Release. A release or waiver of rights in the franchise agreement or related agreements purporting to bind the franchisee to waive compliance with any provision under the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act or any rules or orders thereunder is void except when executed pursuant to a negotiated settlement after the agreement is in effect and where the parties are represented by independent counsel, in accordance with RCW 19.100.220(2). In addition, any such release or waiver executed in connection with a renewal or transfer of a franchise is likewise void except as provided for in RCW 19.100.220(2).
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- Statute of Limitations and Waiver of Jury Trial. Provisions contained in the franchise agreement or related agreements that unreasonably restrict or limit the statute of limitations period for claims under the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act, or rights or remedies under the Act such as a right to a jury trial, may not be enforceable.
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- Transfer Fees. Transfer fees are collectable only to the extent that they reflect the franchisor's reasonable estimated or actual costs in effecting a transfer.
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- Termination by Franchisee. The franchisee may terminate the franchise agreement under any grounds permitted under state law.
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- Certain Buy-Back Provisions. Provisions in franchise agreements or related agreements that permit the franchisor to repurchase the franchisee's business for any reason during the term of the franchise agreement without the franchisee's consent are unlawful pursuant to RCW 19.100.180(2)(j), unless the franchise is terminated for good cause.
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- Fair and Reasonable Pricing. Any provision in the franchise agreement or related agreements that requires the franchisee to purchase or rent any product or service for more than a fair and reasonable price is unlawful under RCW 19.100.180(2)(d).
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- Waiver of Exemplary & Punitive Damages. RCW 19.100.190 permits franchisees to seek treble damages under certain circumstances. Accordingly, provisions contained in the franchise agreement or elsewhere requiring franchisees to waive exemplary, punitive, or similar damages are void, except when executed pursuant to a negotiated settlement after the agreement is in effect and where the parties are represented by independent counsel, in accordance with RCW 19.100.220(2).
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Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 69–245)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Alloy Franchise Disclosure Document, several provisions address how the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act (WFIPA) impacts the franchise agreement, particularly those provisions summarized in Item 17. The WFIPA will prevail in the event of any conflict of laws. RCW 19.100.180, which includes the Franchisee Bill of Rights, may supersede provisions in the franchise agreement concerning the franchisee's relationship with Alloy, especially regarding termination and renewal. Court decisions may also override the franchise agreement. Franchise agreement provisions, including those summarized in Item 17 of the Franchise Disclosure Document, are subject to state law.
Specifically, any release or waiver of rights that requires a franchisee to waive compliance with any provision under the WFIPA is void unless it is part of a negotiated settlement after the agreement is in effect and both parties have independent legal representation, as per RCW 19.100.220(2). This also applies to releases or waivers connected to franchise renewals or transfers, with the same exception for negotiated settlements. Provisions that unreasonably restrict the statute of limitations for claims under the WFIPA or limit rights or remedies, such as the right to a jury trial, may not be enforceable.
Additionally, Alloy can only collect transfer fees to the extent that they reflect the franchisor's reasonable estimated or actual costs in effecting a transfer. The franchisee has the right to terminate the franchise agreement on any grounds permitted by state law. Provisions allowing Alloy to repurchase the franchisee's business during the term without the franchisee's consent are unlawful under RCW 19.100.180(2)(j), unless the termination is for good cause. Any requirement for the franchisee to purchase or rent products or services at more than a fair and reasonable price is unlawful under RCW 19.100.180(2)(d).
Furthermore, any statement, questionnaire, or acknowledgment signed by a franchisee cannot waive claims under state franchise law, including fraud in the inducement, or disclaim reliance on statements made by Alloy or its representatives. Any provision prohibiting a franchisee from communicating with regulators is unlawful under RCW 19.100.180(2)(h) and inconsistent with the Franchise Disclosure Document. Due to Alloy's financial condition, the Washington Department of Financial Institutions requires a financial assurance, which is a surety bond on file with the State of Washington.