Does the release agreement for Canine Dimensions prevent franchisees from pursuing claims under the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act?

According to Canine Dimensions' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the mutual general release agreement does not prevent franchisees from pursuing claims under the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act. Specifically, the release agreement includes an exclusion for claims arising under the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act, RCW 19.100, and the rules adopted thereunder. This means that a franchisee is not waiving their rights to bring claims under this law, even if they sign a general release.

This protection is significant for prospective Canine Dimensions franchisees in Washington because it ensures they retain their statutory rights and remedies under the state's franchise law. The Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act provides various protections to franchisees, and this clause ensures that franchisees can still utilize these protections if necessary. This exclusion applies specifically to claims arising under the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act, but does not extend to claims arising from the franchisee's failure to pay amounts due to Canine Dimensions in the ordinary course of business.

Furthermore, the FDD includes a Washington addendum that reinforces the franchisee's rights under Washington law. In the event of a conflict of laws, the provisions of the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act will prevail. The addendum also states that a release or waiver of rights executed by a franchisee may not include rights under the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act, except when executed pursuant to a negotiated settlement after the agreement is in effect and where the parties are represented by independent counsel. This further protects the franchisee's rights under the Act, ensuring that they cannot be unknowingly waived at the outset of the franchise relationship.