Where will arbitration or mediation take place for a Basecamp Fitness franchise purchased in Washington?
Basecamp_Fitness Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
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.
Source: Item 17 — RENEWAL, TERMINATION, TRANSFER, AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION (FDD pages 51–55)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Basecamp Fitness's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, if a franchisee purchases a Basecamp Fitness franchise in Washington, the arbitration or mediation site will be in Washington. However, the location can also be 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.
This stipulation is part of a Washington Addendum that modifies the standard franchise agreement. This addendum applies if the offer to sell the franchise is accepted in Washington, the purchaser is a resident of Washington, or the franchised business is to be located or operated in Washington.
Furthermore, 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 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.
It is important for prospective franchisees to understand that franchise agreement provisions, including those summarized in Item 17 of the Franchise Disclosure Document, are subject to state law. This means that the standard terms of the Basecamp Fitness franchise agreement may be superseded by Washington state law to protect the franchisee's rights.