What is the impact of the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act on the Chesters franchise agreement's provisions regarding conflict of laws?
Chesters Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
WASHINGTON ADDENDUM TO FRANCHISE DISCLOSURE DOCUMENT, THE FRANCHISE AGREEMENT, FRANCHISE REPRESENTATIONS, AND RELATED AGREEMENTS
The provisions of this Addendum form an integral part of, are incorporated into, and modify the Franchise Disclosure Document, the franchise agreement, and all related agreements regardless of anything to the contrary contained therein. This Addendum applies if: (a) the offer to sell a franchise is accepted in Washington; (b) the purchaser of the franchise is a resident of Washington; and/or (c) the franchised business that is the subject of the sale is to be located or operated, wholly or partly, in Washington.
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- Conflict of Laws.
In the event of a conflict of laws, the provisions of the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act, chapter 19.100 RCW will prevail.
Source: Item 23 — **RECEIPTS (FDD pages 48–197)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Chesters's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the Washington Addendum modifies the franchise agreement for franchisees in Washington. Specifically, regarding conflict of laws, the addendum states that the provisions of the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act, chapter 19.100 RCW, will take precedence if there is a conflict with other laws.
This means that if any part of the Chesters franchise agreement clashes with the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act, the Act will govern. This ensures that Chesters franchisees in Washington receive the protections and rights guaranteed by Washington law, regardless of what the standard franchise agreement might say.
For a prospective Chesters franchisee in Washington, this is a beneficial provision. It provides assurance that their franchise operations will be subject to the laws of Washington, offering a degree of legal certainty and protection under the state's franchise regulations. Franchisees should familiarize themselves with the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act to understand their rights and obligations.