Can provisions in the Chicken Guy franchise agreement unreasonably restrict or limit the statute of limitations period for claims under the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act?
Chicken_Guy Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
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- Statute of Limitations and Waiver of Jury Trial. Provisions contained in the franchise agreement or related agreements that unreasonably restrict or limit the statute of limitations period for claims under the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act, or rights or remedies under the Act such as a right to a jury trial, may not be enforceable.
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, provisions within the franchise agreement that unreasonably restrict or limit the statute of limitations period for claims under the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act may not be enforceable. This also applies to rights or remedies under the Act, such as the right to a jury trial.
For a prospective Chicken Guy franchisee in Washington, this means that the franchise agreement cannot unduly shorten the time they have to bring a claim under Washington's franchise law. It also suggests that franchisees cannot be forced to waive their right to a jury trial for claims under this Act.
This protection is significant because it ensures that franchisees have adequate time and means to pursue legal recourse if they believe Chicken Guy has violated the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act. Franchisees should consult with an attorney to fully understand their rights and the applicable statute of limitations under Washington law.