In the event of conflicting laws, which law prevails for a Bee Organized franchise in Washington?
Bee_Organized Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
WASHINGTON FRANCHISE AGREEMENT AMENDMENT
Amendments to the Bee Organized Franchise Agreement:
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.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 54–218)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Bee Organized's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, if a conflict of laws arises for a franchise operating in Washington, the provisions of the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act, chapter 19.100 RCW, will take precedence. This amendment to the franchise agreement ensures that Washington state law is prioritized in legal matters concerning the franchise. This applies if the offer to sell the franchise is accepted in Washington, the purchaser is a Washington resident, or the franchised business is located or operated in Washington.
This means that certain clauses within the standard Bee Organized franchise agreement may be superseded by Washington state law to protect the franchisee's rights. For example, RCW 19.100.180, the Franchisee Bill of Rights, can override aspects of the franchise agreement related to termination and renewal. Additionally, court decisions may also supersede the franchise agreement, further emphasizing the importance of adhering to Washington state law.
Furthermore, the FDD specifies that any arbitration or mediation involving a Bee Organized franchise purchased in Washington must occur within the state, unless otherwise agreed upon. This ensures that legal proceedings are conducted in a location convenient for the franchisee and under the jurisdiction of Washington courts. This provision, along with the prioritization of Washington law, aims to provide a more balanced and legally sound relationship between Bee Organized and its Washington franchisees.