In the event of a conflict of laws regarding a Crave Cookies franchise in Washington, which law prevails?
Crave_Cookies 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.
No statement, questionnaire, or acknowledgment signed or agreed to by a franchisee in connection with the commencement of the franchise relationship shall have the effect of (i) waiving any claims under any applicable state franchise law, including fraud in the inducement, or (ii) disclaiming reliance on any statement made by any franchisor, franchise seller, or other person acting on behalf of the franchisor. This provision supersedes any other term of any document executed in connection with the franchise.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 47–194)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Crave Cookies' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act, Chapter 19.100 RCW, will prevail in the event of a conflict of laws. This means that if there is a disagreement between the franchise agreement and Washington state law, the state law will be followed.
Specifically, RCW 19.100.180 may supersede the franchise agreement in areas such as termination and renewal of the franchise. This indicates that Washington law provides specific protections to franchisees in these critical aspects of the franchise relationship, potentially overriding standard terms in the franchise agreement.
Additionally, the FDD states that franchisees cannot waive claims under the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act, including claims of fraud. This protection extends to disclaiming reliance on statements made by Crave Cookies or its representatives. This provision supersedes any other term in any document related to the franchise, reinforcing the importance of the state's franchise laws in protecting franchisees' rights in Washington.