What state's law governs the AT&T agreement with respect to Crowne Plaza?

Based on the 2025 Crowne Plaza Franchise Disclosure Document, the agreement is generally governed and construed in accordance with Georgia law. However, this is subject to certain exceptions and amendments based on the state where the franchise is located. For example, amendments for California, Hawaii, Maryland, North Dakota, Rhode Island, Virginia, and Washington specify that certain provisions of their state laws will supersede the general terms of the agreement, especially concerning franchise rights, termination, non-renewal, and liabilities.

For franchisees in California, a provision requiring application of Georgia laws may not be enforceable under California law. In North Dakota, the laws of North Dakota supersede any provisions of the License, or Georgia law, if such provisions are in conflict with North Dakota laws. Similarly, in Rhode Island, any provision in the License which designates the governing law as that of any state other than the State of Rhode Island is deleted from Licenses issued in the State of Rhode Island.

In Washington, the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act may supersede the Franchise Agreement in the franchisee's relationship with Crowne Plaza, particularly in areas of termination and renewal. Additionally, certain provisions that unreasonably restrict the statute of limitations for claims or rights under the Act may not be enforceable. Franchisees should be aware of these state-specific amendments as they can significantly impact their rights and obligations under the franchise agreement.

Prospective franchisees should carefully review the specific amendments applicable to their state and consult with legal counsel to understand how these provisions affect their franchise agreement with Crowne Plaza. Understanding these nuances is crucial for ensuring compliance and protecting their interests as franchisees.