Does the Washington FDD Amendment modify all related agreements for a Bee Organized franchise?
Bee_Organized Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD 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.
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 does modify all related agreements. The amendment explicitly states that its provisions form an integral part of, are incorporated into, and modify the Franchise Disclosure Document, the franchise agreement, and all related agreements, regardless of any contradictory information within those documents. This ensures that the specific legal requirements and protections afforded to franchisees in Washington are upheld across all aspects of the franchise relationship.
This modification applies specifically if (a) the offer to sell a Bee Organized franchise is accepted in Washington, (b) the purchaser of the franchise is a resident of Washington, or (c) the franchised business is to be located or operated, wholly or partly, in Washington. This broad application ensures that any franchisee connected to Washington through any of these conditions receives the protections and modifications outlined in the amendment.
Several key provisions are included in the Washington FDD Amendment. In the event of conflicting laws, the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act will take precedence. Additionally, RCW 19.100.180, which concerns the Franchisee Bill of Rights, may supersede provisions in the franchise agreement, particularly regarding termination and renewal. The amendment also addresses the location of arbitration, mediation, and litigation, stipulating that these proceedings will occur in Washington or a mutually agreed-upon location.
For a prospective Bee Organized franchisee in Washington, this amendment provides significant legal safeguards. It ensures that Washington law prevails in case of conflicts, protects franchisee rights related to termination and renewal, and mandates that legal proceedings occur within the state, unless otherwise agreed. Franchisees should carefully review the full amendment to understand their rights and obligations under Washington law.