Who must sign the Washington Addendum to the City Publications Franchise Agreement?
City_Publications Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the undersigned hereby acknowledges having read this Amendment, and understands and consents to be bound by all of its terms.
CITY PUBLICATIONS FRANCHISE GROUP, INC.:
Washington Addendum to the Franchise Agreement, Franchisee Disclosure Questionnaire, and Related Documents This Amendment to the Franchise Agreement is agreed to this ______ day of ____________, 20, between CITY PUBLICATIONS FRANCHISE GROUP, INC. and to amend and revise said Franchise Agreement as follows: In the event of a conflict of laws, the provisions of the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act, Chapter 19.100 RCW will prevail.
RCW 19.100.180 may supersede the franchise agreement in your relationship with the franchisor including the areas of termination and renewal of your franchise.
There may also be court decisions which may supersede the franchise agreement in your relationship with the franchisor including the areas of termination and renewal of your franchise.
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.
A release or waiver of rights executed by a franchisee may not include rights under the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act or any rule or order thereunder except when executed pursuant to a negotiated settlement after the agreement is in effect and where the parties are represented by independent counsel.
Provisions such as those which unreasonably restrict or limit the statute of limitations period for claims under the Act, or rights or remedies under the Act such as a right to a jury trial, may not be enforceable.
Transfer fees are collectable to the extent that they reflect the franchisor's reasonable estimated or actual costs in effecting a transfer.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPT (FDD pages 39–129)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to City Publications' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the Washington Addendum to the Franchise Agreement must be signed by both City Publications Franchise Group, Inc. and the franchisee. The addendum indicates that it is an agreement between City Publications Franchise Group, Inc. and the franchisee to amend and revise the existing Franchise Agreement.
The addendum highlights the importance of the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act, noting that its provisions and potential court decisions may supersede the original franchise agreement, especially in areas concerning termination and renewal. It also specifies that for any arbitration or mediation involving a franchise purchased in Washington, the venue will be in Washington State or a mutually agreed-upon location.
Furthermore, the addendum clarifies that franchisees in Washington have the right to bring legal action in Washington if litigation is not precluded by the franchise agreement, particularly for issues related to the sale of franchises or violations of the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act. It also states that any release or waiver of rights by the franchisee cannot include rights under the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act unless it is part of a negotiated settlement with independent counsel after the agreement is in effect.
Prospective City Publications franchisees in Washington should carefully review this addendum with legal counsel to understand their rights and obligations under Washington law, as certain provisions of the original franchise agreement may not be enforceable in Washington.