In Washington, where will the arbitration or mediation site be located for a Christies International Real Estate franchise?
Christies_International_Real_Estate Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Site of Arbitration, Mediation, and/or Litigation.** In any arbitration or mediation involving a franchise purchased in Washington, the arbitration or mediation site will be either in the state of Washington, or in a place mutually agreed upon at the time of the arbitration or mediation, or as determined by the arbitrator or mediator at the time of arbitration or mediation.
In addition, if litigation is not precluded by the franchise agreement, a franchisee may bring an action or proceeding arising out of or in connection with the sale of franchises, or a violation of the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act, in Washington.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPT (FDD pages 54–177)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Christies International Real Estate's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, if a franchise is purchased in Washington and arbitration or mediation is required, the location for these proceedings will be in Washington state. However, the location can be a place mutually agreed upon by both parties at the time of the arbitration or mediation. Alternatively, the arbitrator or mediator can determine the site at the time of the arbitration or mediation.
This stipulation is part of the Washington Addendum to the Franchise Disclosure Document, which modifies the standard franchise agreement to comply with Washington state law. This addendum applies if the franchise offer is accepted in Washington, the purchaser is a Washington resident, or the franchised business operates in Washington.
Additionally, the FDD states that if litigation is not precluded by the franchise agreement, a franchisee can bring an action or proceeding arising out of or relating to the sale of franchises, or a violation of the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act, in Washington.