In the event of conflicting laws, which laws prevail for a Bee Organized franchise in Washington?
Bee_Organized Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Amendments to the Bee Organized Franchise Disclosure Document
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.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 54–218)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Bee Organized's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the Washington FDD Amendment addresses the issue of conflicting laws. For a Bee Organized franchise operating in Washington, the provisions of the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act, chapter 19.100 RCW, will take precedence in the event of any conflict of laws. This amendment is applicable if the offer to sell the franchise is accepted in Washington, the purchaser is a resident of Washington, or the franchised business is located or operated in Washington.
This means that if there is a discrepancy between the standard franchise agreement and Washington state law, the state law will govern. This is a significant protection for franchisees in Washington, as it ensures that their rights under state law are upheld. The amendment also mentions RCW 19.100.180, which may supersede provisions in the franchise agreement or related agreements concerning the franchisee's relationship with Bee Organized, particularly in areas of termination and renewal. Court decisions may also override the franchise agreement.
Furthermore, the amendment specifies that any arbitration or mediation involving a franchise purchased in Washington must occur within the state, unless otherwise agreed upon or determined by the arbitrator or mediator. Additionally, if litigation is not precluded by the franchise agreement, a franchisee can bring an action related to the sale of franchises or violations of the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act in Washington. This ensures that Washington franchisees have access to local legal avenues for resolving disputes with Bee Organized.