What is the effect of RCW 19.100.180(2)(j) on Fat Shack's ability to repurchase a franchise in Washington?
Fat_Shack Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
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- Conflict of Laws. In the event of a conflict of laws, the provisions of the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act, chapter 19.100 RCW will prevail.
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- Franchisee Bill of Rights. RCW 19.100.180 may supersede provisions in the franchise agreement or related agreements concerning your relationship with the franchisor, including in the areas of termination and renewal of your franchise. There may also be court decisions that supersede the franchise agreement or related agreements concerning your relationship with the franchisor. Franchise agreement provisions, including those summarized in Item 17 of the Franchise Disclosure Document, are subject to state law.
Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 53–223)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
Based on the 2025 Fat Shack Franchise Disclosure Document, RCW 19.100.180 provides certain protections to franchisees in Washington, but the document does not explicitly detail how RCW 19.100.180(2)(j) specifically affects Fat Shack's ability to repurchase a franchise. However, the FDD does state that RCW 19.100.180 may supersede provisions in the franchise agreement concerning the franchisee's relationship with Fat Shack, including termination and renewal.
The FDD includes a general statement that in the event of a conflict of laws, the provisions of the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act, chapter 19.100 RCW, will prevail. This suggests that any terms in the franchise agreement that contradict the protections offered to franchisees under Washington law, including RCW 19.100.180(2)(j), would be superseded by the statute.
To fully understand the implications of RCW 19.100.180(2)(j) on Fat Shack's ability to repurchase a franchise in Washington, a prospective franchisee should seek clarification from Fat Shack and consult with an attorney experienced in franchise law. Specifically, they should inquire about how Fat Shack ensures compliance with this statute and what specific provisions in the franchise agreement, if any, are affected by it.