Under what conditions is it unlawful for Eos Worldwide to repurchase a franchisee's business in Washington?

According to the 2025 Eos Worldwide Franchise Disclosure Document, it is unlawful for Eos Worldwide to include provisions in its franchise agreement that prohibit a franchisee in Washington from communicating with or complaining to regulators. This is explicitly stated as being inconsistent with the instructions in the Franchise Disclosure Document and unlawful under RCW 19.100.180(2)(h). This protection is designed to ensure franchisees can freely report concerns without fear of reprisal.

This provision is particularly important for prospective Eos Worldwide franchisees in Washington because it safeguards their right to communicate with regulatory bodies about potential issues or violations without facing legal repercussions from the franchisor. This ensures transparency and accountability within the franchise system, allowing franchisees to seek assistance and report concerns to the appropriate authorities.

It is a common practice in franchising to include clauses that ensure compliance with state-specific franchise laws. The inclusion of this specific protection for Washington franchisees reflects Eos Worldwide's adherence to the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act and its commitment to ensuring franchisees' rights are protected under state law. Franchisees should carefully review the franchise agreement and any addenda to ensure these protections are clearly outlined and understood.