In the event of a conflict of laws regarding a Craters & Freighters franchise in Washington, which law prevails?
Craters_Freighters Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
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.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD pages 49–50)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Craters & Freighters' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the Washington Addendum to the Franchise Disclosure Document, Franchise Agreement, and related agreements specifies that in the event of a conflict of laws, the provisions of the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act, Chapter 19.100 RCW, will take precedence.
This means that if any part of the standard Craters & Freighters franchise agreement clashes with Washington state law, the state law will be upheld. This is particularly relevant for aspects like termination and renewal of the franchise, as RCW 19.100.180 may supersede the franchise agreement in these areas. Additionally, court decisions in Washington could also override the franchise agreement concerning termination and renewal.
For a prospective Craters & Freighters franchisee in Washington, this addendum offers a degree of protection and ensures that their rights under Washington state law are not compromised by the standard franchise agreement. It is important for franchisees to be aware of the specific provisions of the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act and any relevant court decisions to fully understand their rights and obligations.