In the event of conflicting laws, which law prevails for a Cinnabon franchise 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.
- **2.
Franchisee Bill of Rights.** RCW 19.100.180 may supersede provisions in the franchise agreement or related agreements concerning your relationship with the franchisor, including in the areas of termination and renewal of your franchise.
There may also be court decisions that supersede the franchise agreement or related agreements concerning your relationship with the franchisor.
Franchise agreement provisions, including those summarized in Item 17 of the Franchise Disclosure Document, are subject to state law.
- **3.
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 — Receipts (FDD pages 114–399)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Cinnabon's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, specifically the Washington Addendum, the provisions of the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act, chapter 19.100 RCW, will take precedence if there is a conflict of laws. This addendum is an integral part of the franchise agreement and modifies the Franchise Disclosure Document, the franchise agreement, and all related agreements for franchises in Washington. This applies if the offer to sell a franchise is accepted in Washington, the purchaser is a resident of Washington, or the franchised business is located or operated in Washington.
This means that if any part of the Cinnabon franchise agreement clashes with the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act, the state law will be upheld. This protection ensures that franchisees operating in Washington are governed by the regulations set forth by the state, which are designed to protect their investment and rights.
Additionally, RCW 19.100.180, also known as the Franchisee Bill of Rights, may supersede provisions in the franchise agreement or related agreements concerning the franchisee's relationship with Cinnabon, particularly in areas such as termination and renewal. Court decisions may also override the franchise agreement in matters concerning the relationship between the franchisee and the franchisor. Franchise agreement provisions, including those summarized in Item 17 of the Franchise Disclosure Document, are subject to state law.
Furthermore, any arbitration or mediation involving a Cinnabon franchise purchased in Washington must occur in Washington, unless both parties agree to another location or the arbitrator/mediator determines otherwise. Franchisees also have the right to bring legal action in Washington for issues arising from the sale of franchises or violations of the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act, provided litigation is not precluded by the franchise agreement.