What happens if there is a conflict between the franchise agreement and the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act regarding a Cinnaholic franchise?
Cinnaholic Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
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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.
- 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.
- 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).
- 5. Statute of Limitations and Waiver of Jury Trial. Provisions contained in the franchise agreement or related agreements that unreasonably restrict or limit the statute of limitations period for claims under the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act, or rights or remedies under the Act such as a right to a jury trial, may not be enforceable.
- 6. Transfer Fees. Transfer fees are collectable only to the extent that they reflect the franchisor's reasonable estimated or actual costs in effecting a transfer.
- 7. Termination by Franchisee. The franchisee may terminate the franchise agreement under any grounds permitted under state law.
- **8.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD pages 61–62)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Cinnaholic's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, if there is a conflict between the franchise agreement and the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act, the provisions of the Act will take precedence. This protection applies if the offer to sell the 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 Cinnaholic franchisees in Washington are protected by state law.
Specifically, RCW 19.100.180 may override certain provisions in the franchise agreement or related agreements concerning the franchisee's relationship with Cinnaholic, especially in areas like termination and renewal. Court decisions may also supersede the franchise agreement. Furthermore, any release or waiver of rights that requires a franchisee to waive compliance with the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act is void unless it is part of a negotiated settlement with independent counsel after the franchise agreement is already in effect.
Additionally, the FDD states that certain actions are prohibited. Cinnaholic cannot restrict a franchisee from soliciting or hiring employees of other Cinnaholic franchisees or Cinnaholic itself. Also, any statement that requires a franchisee to waive claims under state franchise law or disclaim reliance on statements made by Cinnaholic is invalid. Any provision that prohibits a franchisee from communicating with regulators is also unlawful under RCW 19.100.180(2)(h).
For a prospective Cinnaholic franchisee in Washington, this means that the franchise agreement is subject to Washington law, which offers certain protections. Franchisees should be aware of their rights under the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act and consult with an attorney to ensure full understanding and compliance.