When is a release or waiver of rights void for a Chicken Guy franchisee in Washington?
Chicken_Guy Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
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.
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- Prohibitions on Communicating with Regulators. Any provision in the franchise agreement or related agreements that prohibits the franchisee from communicating with or complaining to regulators is inconsistent with the express instructions in the Franchise Disclosure Document and is unlawful under RCW 19.100.180(2)(h).
Source: Item 17 — RENEWAL, TERMINATION, TRANSFER AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION (FDD pages 40–46)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Chicken Guy FDD, in Washington, any provisions within the franchise agreement or elsewhere are considered void and unenforceable if they conflict with specific protections for franchisees. This includes provisions in the franchise agreement or elsewhere.
Specifically, any statement, questionnaire, or acknowledgment signed by a Chicken Guy franchisee related to starting the franchise cannot waive claims under state franchise law, including claims of fraud in the inducement. Furthermore, franchisees cannot disclaim reliance on statements made by Chicken Guy, its sellers, or representatives. This protection supersedes any conflicting terms in any document associated with the franchise agreement.
Additionally, any part of the franchise or related agreements that stops a franchisee from talking to or complaining to regulators goes against what's written in the Franchise Disclosure Document and breaks Washington law under RCW 19.100.180(2)(h).