In the event of conflicting laws, which law prevails for a Cinnabon franchise operating in Washington?
Cinnabon Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
WASHINGTON ADDENDUM TO THE FRANCHISE DISCLOSURE DOCUMENT, THE FRANCHISE AGREEMENT, AND ALL RELATED AGREEMENTS
The provisions of this Addendum form an integral part of, are incorporated into, and modify the Franchise Disclosure Document, the franchise agreement, and all related agreements regardless of anything to the contrary contained therein. This Addendum applies if: (a) the offer to sell a franchise is accepted in Washington; (b) the purchaser of the franchise is a resident of Washington; and/or (c) the franchised business that is the subject of the sale is to be located or operated, wholly or partly, in Washington.
- **1.
Conflict of Laws.** In the event of a conflict of laws, the provisions of the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act, chapter 19.100 RCW will prevail.
Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 114–399)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Cinnabon Franchise Disclosure Document, if there is a conflict of laws, the provisions of the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act, chapter 19.100 RCW, will prevail for a Cinnabon franchise operating in Washington. This is detailed in the Washington Addendum to the Franchise Disclosure Document. This addendum modifies the standard franchise agreement to account for specific legal protections afforded to franchisees in Washington.
This means that the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act takes precedence over any conflicting terms in the Cinnabon franchise agreement or related documents. This protection is significant for franchisees because it ensures that their rights under Washington law are upheld, even if the standard franchise agreement attempts to impose different or less favorable terms.
For a prospective Cinnabon franchisee in Washington, this provision offers a degree of security and legal certainty. It means that certain aspects of the franchise relationship, such as termination and renewal, are subject to the protections of Washington state law, regardless of what the standard Cinnabon franchise agreement might state. Franchisees should carefully review the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act to understand their rights and protections under the law.