What is the significance of RCW 19.100.180 for City Publications franchisees in Washington?
City_Publications Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
FOR THE STATE OF WASHINGTON
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 isin effect and where the parties are represented by independent counsel. Provisionssuch asthose which unreasonably restrict
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPT (FDD pages 39–129)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to City Publications' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, RCW 19.100.180 is significant for franchisees in Washington because it is part of the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act. This act is designed to protect franchisees by providing certain rights and remedies.
Specifically, RCW 19.100.180 may supersede the franchise agreement between City Publications and its franchisees in Washington, particularly in matters related to the termination and renewal of the franchise. This means that even if the franchise agreement has specific terms about termination or renewal, the provisions of RCW 19.100.180 could override those terms if they conflict.
Additionally, Washington state law dictates that in any arbitration or mediation involving a City Publications franchise purchased in Washington, the venue must be in Washington, unless otherwise agreed upon. Franchisees in Washington also retain the right to bring legal action in Washington if litigation is not precluded by the franchise agreement, especially concerning the sale of franchises or violations of the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act. Furthermore, franchisees cannot waive their rights under the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act, except in specific instances such as a negotiated settlement with independent legal representation after the franchise agreement is already in effect.