Under what conditions is it unlawful for Basecamp Fitness to repurchase a franchisee's business in Washington?
Basecamp_Fitness Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
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.
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 to the Development Agreement states that in the event of a conflict of laws, the provisions of the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act, chapter 19.100 RCW will prevail. This means that Washington state law takes precedence over any conflicting terms in the franchise agreement.
Additionally, RCW 19.100.180, also known as the Franchisee Bill of Rights, may supersede provisions in the franchise agreement or related agreements concerning the franchisee's relationship with Basecamp Fitness, specifically in areas of termination and renewal. Court decisions may also override the franchise agreement. Franchise agreement provisions, including those summarized in Item 17 of the Franchise Disclosure Document, are subject to state law.
In practical terms, this means that if any clause in the Basecamp Fitness franchise agreement regarding the repurchase of a franchisee's business conflicts with the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act or the Franchisee Bill of Rights, the state law will govern. A prospective franchisee in Washington should be aware of these protections and consult with legal counsel to understand their rights under Washington law. This ensures that the franchisee is not subject to unfair or unlawful repurchase terms dictated solely by the franchise agreement.