What is the definition of 'Agreement' in the context of the Crowne Plaza franchise agreement?
Crowne_Plaza Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in the above License Agreement ("License"), the following provisions shall supersede and apply to each License for an Crowne Plaza, Crowne Plaza Suites, and Crowne Plaza Resort issued in the State of Washington:
If any of the provisions in the franchise disclosure document or license agreement are inconsistent with the relationship provisions of RCW 19.100.180 or other requirements of the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act, the provisions of the Act will prevail over the inconsistent provisions of the franchise disclosure document and license agreement with regard to any license sold in Washington.
Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 100–424)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
Based on the 2025 Crowne Plaza Franchise Disclosure Document excerpts, the term "Agreement" refers to the License Agreement between Holiday Hospitality Franchising, LLC and the franchisee for operating a Crowne Plaza, Crowne Plaza Suites, or Crowne Plaza Resort. Item 23 includes several amendments to this License Agreement that address specific legal considerations within certain states. These amendments clarify how state laws and federal regulations, such as the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, interact with the terms outlined in the standard License Agreement.
These amendments often address inconsistencies between the standard agreement and state-specific franchise laws. For example, the amendments may concern provisions related to termination, renewal, non-competition covenants, and dispute resolution. The goal is to ensure that the Crowne Plaza franchise agreement complies with local laws and protects the rights of franchisees within those states. These amendments highlight the importance of franchisees understanding their local franchise laws and how they may modify the standard franchise agreement.
For a prospective Crowne Plaza franchisee, this means the initial License Agreement is subject to change based on the state in which the franchise will operate. It is critical to carefully review any state-specific amendments to understand how they alter the rights and obligations outlined in the standard agreement. Franchisees should also seek legal counsel to fully understand the implications of these amendments and how they impact their franchise operations. The FDD excerpts provided do not contain a general definition of 'Agreement'; instead, they focus on amendments to the License Agreement in specific states.