factual

How might RCW 19.100.180 affect the Cinnaholic franchise agreement?

Cinnaholic Franchise · 2025 FDD

Answer 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.

Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD pages 61–62)

What This Means (2025 FDD)

According to Cinnaholic's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, RCW 19.100.180, also known as the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act, can override specific provisions within the franchise agreement. This means that certain clauses in the agreement that might otherwise govern the relationship between Cinnaholic and its franchisees could be superseded by this Washington state law.

Specifically, the FDD states that RCW 19.100.180 may take precedence over aspects of the franchise agreement related to the termination and renewal of the franchise. Additionally, any part of the franchise agreement that restricts a franchisee's ability to communicate with or complain to regulators is unlawful under RCW 19.100.180(2)(h). This ensures that franchisees in Washington are not contractually prevented from reporting issues or concerns to the appropriate authorities.

Furthermore, the Cinnaholic FDD clarifies that provisions allowing Cinnaholic to use its business judgment may be limited by RCW 19.100.180(1), which mandates that both parties deal with each other in good faith. This means Cinnaholic's decisions must be fair and reasonable, not arbitrary. Also, any general release or waiver of rights that requires a franchisee to waive compliance with the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act is void unless it meets specific conditions, such as being part of a negotiated settlement with independent legal representation, as per RCW 19.100.220(2).

In practical terms, a prospective Cinnaholic franchisee in Washington should understand that the state's franchise laws offer certain protections that can modify the standard terms of the franchise agreement. It would be prudent for a potential franchisee to carefully review the Washington Addendum and consult with an attorney to fully understand their rights and obligations under both the franchise agreement and Washington law.

Disclaimer: This information is extracted from the 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document and is provided for research purposes only. It does not constitute legal or financial advice. Consult with a franchise attorney before making any investment decisions.