Where will arbitration or mediation take place for a Baymont Inn Suites franchise purchased in Washington?
Baymont_Inn_Suites Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
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 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 97–443)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 FDD, for a Baymont Inn Suites franchise purchased in Washington, the arbitration or mediation site will be in Washington state. However, the location can also be a place mutually agreed upon at the time of the arbitration or mediation. The arbitrator or mediator can also determine the location at the time of arbitration or mediation.
Additionally, if litigation is not precluded by the franchise agreement, a franchisee can bring an action or proceeding arising out of or related to the sale of franchises, or a violation of the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act, in Washington.
This means that franchisees in Washington have some protection under Washington law regarding the location of dispute resolution proceedings, which can save on travel and legal costs. It is important for prospective franchisees to understand these stipulations and how they might affect dispute resolution.