Under what conditions is a release or waiver of rights by a Cinnabon franchisee valid in Washington?
Cinnabon Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- **4.
General Release.** A release or waiver of rights in the franchise agreement or related agreements purporting to bind the franchisee to waive compliance with any provision under the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act or any rules or orders thereunder is void except when executed pursuant to a negotiated settlement after the agreement is in effect and where the parties are represented by independent counsel, in accordance with RCW 19.100.220(2).
In addition, any such release or waiver executed in connection with a renewal or transfer of a franchise is likewise void except as provided for in RCW 19.100.220(2).
Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 114–399)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Cinnabon's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, a release or waiver of rights by a franchisee in Washington is generally void if it requires the franchisee to waive compliance with any provision of the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act. However, there is an exception.
Such a release or waiver is valid only if it meets specific conditions. First, it must be executed as part of a negotiated settlement. Second, the agreement must be in effect at the time of the settlement. Finally, both Cinnabon and the franchisee must be represented by independent legal counsel during the negotiation and execution of the settlement, in accordance with RCW 19.100.220(2).
Furthermore, any release or waiver executed in connection with the renewal or transfer of a Cinnabon franchise in Washington is also generally void, except under the same conditions specified in RCW 19.100.220(2). This means that even when renewing or transferring a franchise, a general release is not enforceable unless it is part of a negotiated settlement with independent legal representation for both parties.