What is the purpose of the general release that Christies International Real Estate requires during renewal?
Christies_International_Real_Estate Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- 2.2. Renewal. You will have the right to renew the rights granted under this Agreement for one (1) additional term of ten (10) years, provided the following conditions are met:
- (g) you and each Principal Owner sign a general release, in a form acceptable to us, of all claims against us and our affiliates, officers, directors, employees, and agents.
[Note for Washington Release – add the following to Section 1, at the end of the first sentence: "excluding only such claims arising under the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act."]
Source: Item 17 — RENEWAL, TERMINATION, TRANSFER AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION (FDD pages 43–47)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Christies International Real Estate's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, a general release is required from the franchisee and each Principal Owner as a condition of renewing their franchise agreement. This release must be in a form acceptable to Christies International Real Estate and releases them, their affiliates, officers, directors, employees, and agents from all claims.
In essence, by signing this release, the franchisee agrees to waive any existing or potential legal claims against Christies International Real Estate as a prerequisite for renewing their franchise agreement for another 10-year term. This is a fairly standard practice in franchising, as it provides the franchisor with legal protection and helps to avoid potential disputes during the renewed term.
However, franchisees in Washington should note that the release excludes claims arising under the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act. Prospective franchisees should carefully review the general release with their legal counsel to fully understand the scope of the claims being waived and the implications for their rights and potential future disputes with Christies International Real Estate.