Is the proposed Crowne Plaza franchise registration exempt from registration requirements in any of the following states: California, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin?

According to the 2025 Crowne Plaza Franchise Disclosure Document, the proposed franchise registration is either on file with or exempt from registration requirements in several states. Specifically, this includes California, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin. This indicates that Crowne Plaza has taken the necessary steps to comply with franchise regulations in these states, either by registering the franchise offering or qualifying for an exemption.

For a prospective franchisee, this means that Crowne Plaza is authorized to offer and sell franchises in these states. It also suggests that Crowne Plaza has met the legal requirements for franchising in these jurisdictions, which may provide some assurance of the franchise's legitimacy. However, it is important to note that registration or exemption does not imply endorsement or approval by the state.

Furthermore, the FDD includes amendments to the standard Crowne Plaza license agreement that apply specifically to franchisees in Maryland, North Dakota, Rhode Island, Virginia, and Washington. These amendments address issues such as compliance with state franchise laws, restrictions on venue and jurisdiction, and the enforceability of certain provisions in the license agreement. Franchisees in these states should carefully review these amendments to understand how they modify the standard agreement. These amendments indicate that Crowne Plaza is willing to modify its standard agreement to comply with state laws, which is a positive sign for franchisees.