Where will arbitration or mediation take place involving an Annex Brands franchise purchased in Washington?
Annex_Brands Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
(4) 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 franchise, or a violation of the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act, in Washington.
Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 110–299)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Annex Brands' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, any arbitration or mediation involving a franchise purchased in Washington will occur in one of three possible locations. The primary location is within the state of Washington. Alternatively, the arbitration or mediation can take place in a location mutually agreed upon by both parties, Annex Brands and the franchisee, at the time the arbitration or mediation is initiated.
Finally, if no mutual agreement is reached, the arbitrator or mediator has the authority to determine the location of the proceedings at the time of arbitration or mediation. This provides flexibility but also introduces some uncertainty, as the franchisee may not know the exact location until the proceedings are about to begin.
Additionally, the FDD states that if litigation is not precluded by the franchise agreement, a franchisee can bring an action or proceeding arising out of or in connection with the sale of franchise, or a violation of the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act, in Washington.