When is a release or waiver of rights by an Angry Chickz franchisee in Washington NOT considered void?
Angry_Chickz Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
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).
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 54–260)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Angry Chickz Franchise Disclosure Document, a release or waiver of rights by a franchisee in Washington is generally considered void if it requires the franchisee to waive compliance with any provision under the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act.
However, there is an exception: such a release or waiver is not void when it is executed pursuant to a negotiated settlement after the franchise agreement is already in effect. In this case, both parties must be represented by independent counsel, and the agreement must align with RCW 19.100.220(2), the Revised Code of Washington.
Furthermore, any release or waiver executed during the renewal or transfer of a franchise is also void unless it meets the conditions specified in RCW 19.100.220(2). This means that even if a franchisee signs a release or waiver during a renewal or transfer, it will not be valid unless it's part of a negotiated settlement with independent legal representation, adhering to Washington state law.