In the event of conflicting laws, which law prevails for a Cinnaholic franchise in Washington?
Cinnaholic Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
ADDENDUM REQUIRED BY THE STATE OF WASHINGTON
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.
Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS, AND TRAINING (FDD pages 27–35)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Cinnaholic Franchise Disclosure Document, the Washington Addendum clarifies which laws govern the franchise agreement for franchisees in Washington. Specifically, if there is a conflict of laws, the provisions of the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act, chapter 19.100 RCW, will take precedence. This means that the laws of Washington state are designed to protect franchisees, and these protections will be prioritized over any conflicting terms in the franchise agreement.
This addendum applies if the offer to sell a Cinnaholic franchise is accepted in Washington, if the purchaser of the franchise is a resident of Washington, or if the franchised business is to be located or operated, wholly or partly, in Washington. This ensures that franchisees operating in Washington, or Washington residents purchasing a franchise, receive the protections afforded by Washington law.
Additionally, the FDD states that RCW 19.100.180, which is the Franchisee Bill of Rights, may supersede provisions in the franchise agreement or related agreements concerning the franchisee's relationship with Cinnaholic, particularly in areas of termination and renewal. Court decisions may also supersede the franchise agreement. This reinforces that franchise agreement provisions are subject to state law, providing additional safeguards for franchisees in Washington.