What is the significance of RCW 19.100.190 regarding damages for Christies International Real Estate franchisees?
Christies_International_Real_Estate Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
[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 23 — RECEIPT (FDD pages 54–177)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Christies International Real Estate FDD, a note is included for Washington state franchisees regarding claims arising under the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act. Specifically, the standard release agreement that Christies International Real Estate uses will exclude claims arising under RCW 19.100.190, which is part of the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act. This means that Washington franchisees retain their rights to make claims under this specific Washington state law, notwithstanding the general release.
In essence, Christies International Real Estate is acknowledging that the standard release they use will not prevent a franchisee in Washington from pursuing legal claims specifically protected by the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act. This act provides certain protections to franchisees in Washington, and this clause ensures those protections are not waived by the franchisee upon signing the release.
This is a significant benefit for prospective Christies International Real Estate franchisees in Washington, as it preserves their statutory rights under state law. Franchise agreements often contain broad release clauses, and this carve-out ensures that franchisees do not inadvertently waive important legal protections afforded to them under Washington law.