In the event of conflicting laws, which laws prevail for a Card My Yard franchise in Washington?
Card_My_Yard Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
The following provisions supersede any inconsistent provisions in the disclosure document and apply to all franchises offered and sold in the State of Washington:
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- 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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- The State of Washington has a statute, RCW 19.100.180, which 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. If any of the provisions in this disclosure document or Franchise Agreement are inconsistent with the relationship provisions of RCW 19.100.180 or other requirements of the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act, the provisions of the Act will prevail over the inconsistent provisions of the disclosure document and Franchise Agreement, as applicable, with regard to any franchise sold in the State of Washington.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 84–259)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Card My Yard's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, for franchises offered and sold in Washington, the provisions of the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act, Chapter 19.100 RCW, will take precedence if there is a conflict of laws.
Additionally, the FDD states that Washington has a statute, RCW 19.100.180, and court decisions that may supersede the Franchise Agreement, particularly in areas of termination and renewal. If any part of the disclosure document or Franchise Agreement is inconsistent with RCW 19.100.180 or other requirements of the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act, the provisions of the Act will prevail.
This means that franchisees in Washington are afforded certain protections under state law that override conflicting terms in the franchise agreement. Prospective franchisees should carefully review the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act to understand their rights and obligations.