What is the effect of the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act on the Basecamp Fitness franchise agreement?
Basecamp_Fitness Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
his provision supersedes any other term of any document executed in connection with the franchise.
Franchisor: BASECAMP FITNESS FRANCHISOR LLC Its: Its:
WASHINGTON ADDENDUM TO THE DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT AND RELATED AGREEMENTS
The provisions of this Addendum form an integral part of, are incorporated into, and modify the Franchise Disclosure Document, the franchise agreement, and all related agreements regardless of anything to the contrary contained therein. This Addendum applies if: (a) the offer to sell a franchise is accepted in Washington; (b) the purchaser of the franchise is a resident of Washington; and/or (c) the franchised business that is the subject of the sale is to be located or operated, wholly or partly, in Washington.
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- Conflict of Laws. In the event of a conflict of laws, the provisions of the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act, chapter 19.100 RCW will prevail.
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- Franchisee Bill of Rights. RCW 19.100.180 may supersede provisions in the franchise agreement or related agreements concerning your relationship with the franchisor, including in the areas of termination and renewal of your franchise. 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.
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- 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).
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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, the Washington Addendum modifies the franchise agreement for those who accept a franchise offer in Washington, are a resident of Washington, and/or will operate their Basecamp Fitness business in Washington.
The Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act takes precedence over conflicting laws. Specifically, RCW 19.100.180 may supersede provisions in the franchise agreement or related agreements concerning the franchisee's relationship with Basecamp Fitness, including termination and renewal. Court decisions may also supersede the franchise agreement.
Furthermore, any provision prohibiting a franchisee from communicating with regulators is unlawful under RCW 19.100.180(2)(h). Basecamp Fitness has also obtained a $100,000 surety bond, contingent upon maintaining coverage until all Washington franchisees have completed initial training and are open for business, or until the Administrator issues written authorization to the contrary. Franchisees are advised to carefully evaluate any information provided by a franchise broker, as defined under the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act.