Under what conditions is a release or waiver of rights valid for a Cinnabon franchisee 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: it must be executed as part of a negotiated settlement, the agreement must already be in effect, and both Cinnabon and the franchisee must be represented by independent legal counsel. This exception is in accordance with RCW 19.100.220(2), a section of Washington law.
Furthermore, any release or waiver connected to the renewal or transfer of a Cinnabon franchise is also void unless it complies with the same conditions outlined in RCW 19.100.220(2). This ensures that franchisees are protected from unknowingly or unfairly relinquishing their rights under the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act during critical junctures like renewal or transfer.