For an Atwell Suites license purchased in Washington, where will the arbitration or mediation site be located?
Atwell_Suites Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
In any arbitration or mediation involving a license 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 License, a licensee may bring an action or proceeding arising out of or in connection with the sale of franchises/licenses, or a violation of the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act, in Washington.
Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 99–486)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Atwell Suites's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, an amendment to the license agreement addresses the location of arbitration or mediation for licenses purchased in Washington. Specifically, if the offer to sell a franchise is accepted in Washington, if the purchaser is a resident of Washington, or if the franchised business is to be located or operated in Washington, this amendment applies.
For any arbitration or mediation involving a license purchased in Washington, the site will be in one of three locations. First, the arbitration or mediation can take place within the state of Washington. Second, the location can be a place mutually agreed upon by all parties involved at the time of the arbitration or mediation. Third, the location can be determined by the arbitrator or mediator during the arbitration or mediation process.
This amendment also clarifies that if litigation is not precluded by the license agreement, a licensee can bring an action or proceeding related to the sale of franchises or a violation of the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act in Washington. This provides additional legal recourse within the state for franchisees operating in Washington.