Where will arbitration or mediation take place for a Big O Tires franchise purchased in Washington?
Big_O_Tires Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
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 102–535)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Big O Tires' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, if a franchise is purchased in Washington, the arbitration or mediation site will be in Washington. However, the location can be 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.
This clause is part of the Washington State Disclosure Addendum, which modifies the standard franchise agreement for franchisees in Washington. This addendum takes precedence over any conflicting terms in the standard agreement due to the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act.
Additionally, if litigation is not precluded by the franchise agreement, a franchisee in Washington 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.