In the event of a conflict of laws, which law prevails for a Dq Treat franchise in Washington?
Dq_Treat 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.
Source: Item 17 — The following paragraph is added to the end of Item 17 of the Disclosure Document: (FDD pages 70–378)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Dq Treat Franchise Disclosure Document, for franchises sold in Washington, the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act, Chapter 19.100 RCW, will prevail in the event of a conflict of laws. This is designed to protect franchisees in Washington by ensuring that the state's franchise laws take precedence over any conflicting provisions in the franchise agreement.
This means that if there is a disagreement or ambiguity between the terms of the Dq Treat franchise agreement and the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act, the provisions of the Act will be upheld. This covers all aspects of the franchise relationship, including termination and renewal, as RCW 19.100.180 may supersede the franchise agreement in these areas. Court decisions may also supersede the franchise agreement.
Furthermore, any statement or acknowledgment signed by a Dq Treat franchisee at the start of the franchise relationship cannot waive claims under Washington's franchise law, including claims related to fraud. This provision overrides any other term in any document executed in connection with the franchise, reinforcing the protection afforded to franchisees under Washington law. This ensures that Dq Treat franchisees operating in Washington are subject to the protections and regulations outlined in the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act.