What RCW section provides exceptions to the rule that releases or waivers are void for Cinnaholic franchisees in Washington?
Cinnaholic Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
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 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS, AND TRAINING (FDD pages 27–35)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Cinnaholic's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, for franchisees in Washington, a release or waiver of rights within the franchise agreement is generally void if it requires the franchisee to waive compliance with the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act. However, there is an exception.
The exception, as stated in the FDD, is when the release or waiver is executed as part of a negotiated settlement after the franchise agreement is already in effect. In this case, both parties must be represented by independent legal counsel. This exception is in accordance with RCW 19.100.220(2).
Furthermore, any release or waiver connected to the renewal or transfer of a Cinnaholic franchise is also void unless it meets the conditions specified in RCW 19.100.220(2), meaning it must be part of a negotiated settlement with independent legal representation for both parties.