What is the impact of RCW 19.100.220(2) on releases or waivers for a Chicken Guy franchise in Washington?
Chicken_Guy Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
[Item 17: RENEWAL, TERMINATION, TRANSFER AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION]
As a result, any such provisions contained in the franchise agreement or elsewhere are void and unenforceable in Washington.
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- Questionnaires and Acknowledgments. No statement, questionnaire, or acknowledgment signed or agreed to by a franchisee in connection with the commencement of the franchise relationship shall have the effect of (i) waiving any claims under any applicable state franchise law, including fraud in the inducement, or (ii) disclaiming reliance on any statement made by any franchisor, franchise seller, or other person acting on behalf of the franchisor.
This provision supersedes any other term of any document executed in connection with the franchise.
Source: Item 17 — RENEWAL, TERMINATION, TRANSFER AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION (FDD pages 40–46)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Chicken Guy Franchise Disclosure Document, any provisions in the franchise agreement or elsewhere that include releases or waivers are considered void and unenforceable in Washington state. Specifically, no statement, questionnaire, or acknowledgment signed by a franchisee at the start of the franchise relationship can waive claims under any applicable state franchise law, including claims related to fraud in the inducement, or disclaim reliance on statements made by Chicken Guy or anyone acting on their behalf. This protection is highlighted in the franchise agreement addendum for Washington.
This provision is designed to protect franchisees from unknowingly or unintentionally giving up their legal rights. It ensures that franchisees can pursue legal remedies if they believe they have been misled or treated unfairly. The FDD emphasizes that this protection supersedes any other conflicting terms in any document related to the franchise agreement.
For a prospective Chicken Guy franchisee in Washington, this means that any attempt by the franchisor to include clauses that waive the franchisee's rights under state franchise law will not be legally binding. Franchisees should be aware of this protection and consult with an attorney if they have any concerns about waivers or releases included in their franchise agreement. This measure aims to create a fairer balance of power between the franchisor and franchisee, ensuring that franchisees are not disadvantaged by complex legal clauses.