In the event of a conflict of laws regarding a Canine Dimensions franchise in Washington, which law prevails?
Canine_Dimensions Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
In the event of a conflict of laws, the provisions of the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act, Chapter 19.100 RCW will prevail.
RCW 19.100.180 may supersede the franchise agreement in your relationship with the franchisor including the areas of termination and renewal of your franchise. There may also be court decisions which may supersede the franchise agreement in your relationship with the franchisor including the areas of termination and renewal of your franchise.
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.
A release or waiver of rights executed by a franchisee may not include rights under the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act or any rule or order thereunder except when executed pursuant to a negotiated settlement after the agreement is in effect and where the parties are represented by independent counsel. Provisions such as those which unreasonably restrict or limit the statute of limitations period for claims under the Act, or rights or remedies under the Act such as a right to a jury trial, may not be enforceable.
Transfer fees are collectable to the extent that they reflect the franchisor's reasonable estimated or actual costs in effecting a transfer.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 36)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Canine Dimensions's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the Washington Addendum to the Franchise Disclosure Document, Franchise Agreement, and related agreements specifies that in the event of a conflict of laws, the provisions of the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act, Chapter 19.100 RCW, will prevail for franchises purchased in Washington. This means that if there is a disagreement about which laws apply, the laws of Washington State will be used to resolve the issue.
This is particularly important for prospective franchisees in Washington because it ensures that the protections afforded to them under Washington law are upheld. The FDD also notes that RCW 19.100.180 may supersede the franchise agreement in the franchisee's relationship with Canine Dimensions, especially concerning termination and renewal rights. Court decisions may also supersede the franchise agreement in these areas.
Furthermore, any arbitration or mediation involving a Canine Dimensions franchise purchased in Washington must occur in Washington, unless both parties agree to another location or the arbitrator/mediator determines otherwise. Franchisees may also bring legal action in Washington for issues arising from the sale of franchises or violations of the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act, provided litigation isn't precluded by the franchise agreement. Additionally, franchisees cannot waive their rights under the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act, except in negotiated settlements with independent counsel, and provisions that unreasonably restrict the statute of limitations or rights to a jury trial may not be enforceable.
Transfer fees are collectable only to the extent that they reflect Canine Dimensions's reasonable estimated or actual costs in effecting a transfer. This addendum ensures that Washington franchisees receive the full protection of their state's franchise laws, regardless of what the standard franchise agreement might state.