In the event of a conflict of laws, which law prevails for a Healthsource Chiropractic franchise in Washington?
Healthsource_Chiropractic 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.
RCW 19.100.180 may supersede the franchise agreement in your relationship with the franchisor including the areas of termination and renewal of your franchise. There may also
be court decisions which may supersede the franchise agreement in your relationship with the franchisor including the areas of termination and renewal of your franchise.
In any arbitration or mediation involving a franchise purchased in Washington, the arbitration or mediation site will be either in the state of Washington, or in a place mutually agreed upon at the time of the arbitration or mediation, or as determined by the arbitrator or mediator at the time of arbitration or mediation. In addition, if litigation is not precluded by the franchise agreement, a franchisee may bring an action or proceeding arising out of or in connection with the sale of franchises, or a violation of the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act, in Washington.
Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 77–282)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Healthsource Chiropractic Franchise Disclosure Document, in the event of a conflict of laws, the provisions of the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act, Chapter 19.100 RCW, will take precedence for franchises purchased in Washington. This means that if any part of the franchise agreement contradicts the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act, the Act will govern the relationship between the franchisee and Healthsource Chiropractic.
RCW 19.100.180 may also supersede the franchise agreement in areas such as termination and renewal of the franchise. Court decisions may also supersede the franchise agreement in the same areas. This ensures that franchisees in Washington are protected by state laws and regulations specific to franchising, which may offer greater protection than the standard franchise agreement.
Additionally, the FDD states that in arbitration or mediation involving a Healthsource Chiropractic franchise purchased in Washington, the location for such proceedings will be in Washington, unless otherwise agreed upon. Franchisees also retain the right to bring legal action in Washington if litigation is not precluded by the franchise agreement, particularly for issues related to the sale of franchises or violations of the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act. These stipulations reinforce the legal rights and protections afforded to Healthsource Chiropractic franchisees operating in Washington.