In Washington state, what effect do statements, questionnaires, or acknowledgements signed by an Atwell Suites franchisee have regarding waiving claims under state franchise law or disclaiming reliance on franchisor statements?

According to Atwell Suites's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, in Washington, any statement, questionnaire, or acknowledgment signed by a franchisee in connection with starting the franchise relationship cannot waive claims under state franchise law, including claims of fraud. These documents also cannot disclaim reliance on statements made by Atwell Suites, its sellers, or anyone acting on its behalf. This rule overrides any conflicting terms in any document related to the franchise agreement.

This protection ensures that Atwell Suites franchisees in Washington retain their legal rights and ability to pursue claims, even if they have signed documents that appear to limit those rights. This is particularly important in cases where franchisees allege they were misled or defrauded during the franchise sales process. The provision aims to prevent franchisors from using standard form agreements to circumvent state franchise laws.

This type of provision is relatively common in franchise agreements, especially in states with strong franchise protection laws. It reflects a broader trend toward protecting franchisees from overreaching by franchisors. Prospective Atwell Suites franchisees in Washington should be aware of this protection, as it can be a valuable safeguard in the event of disputes or legal issues arising from the franchise relationship.