Does the Washington addendum supersede other terms in documents related to the Canine Dimensions franchise?
Canine_Dimensions Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
WASHINGTON ADDENDUM TO THE FRANCHISE DISCLOSURE DOCUMENT, FRANCHISE AGREEMENT, AND RELATED AGREEMENTS
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 addresses the relationship between Washington law and the franchise agreement. Specifically, the addendum states that the provisions of the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act, Chapter 19.100 RCW, will take precedence in the event of any conflict of laws.
Furthermore, RCW 19.100.180 and court decisions may supersede the franchise agreement, especially concerning termination and renewal of the franchise. This means that certain terms in the Canine Dimensions franchise agreement may not be enforceable in Washington if they conflict with state law or court rulings.
The addendum also specifies that for any arbitration or mediation involving a franchise purchased in Washington, the location must be in Washington or a mutually agreed-upon location. Franchisees may also bring legal action in Washington if litigation is not precluded by the franchise agreement, particularly for issues related to the sale of franchises or violations of the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act. Additionally, franchisees cannot waive their rights under the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act unless it is part of a negotiated settlement with independent counsel. Transfer fees are collectable only to the extent that they reflect Canine Dimensions's reasonable costs in effecting a transfer.