Does the Hydrodog Franchise Agreement supersede any prior agreements?
Hydrodog Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
run by a trained manager during the period prior to the assignment. You will have 6 months to transfer the HydroDog Business. Assignment is subject to our right of first refusal."
The first sentence of Section 18.4 of the Franchise Agreement shall be amended in part to provide that the franchisee shall not be required to indemnify the franchisor or its affiliates for the negligent acts or omissions of the franchisor or its affiliates.
Section 21 of the Franchise Agreement will be subject to the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act, RCW 19.100, and the rules adopted thereunder.
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.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 43–166)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Hydrodog's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, RCW 19.100.180, also known as the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act, and court decisions may supersede the franchise agreement in specific areas, particularly concerning termination and renewal of the franchise. This means that certain provisions of the Hydrodog Franchise Agreement may not be enforceable if they conflict with Washington state law or relevant court rulings.
Specifically, Section 21 of the Franchise Agreement will be subject to the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act, RCW 19.100, and the rules adopted thereunder. Additionally, any arbitration or mediation involving a Hydrodog franchise purchased in Washington must occur either in Washington state or in a location mutually agreed upon at the time of arbitration.
For a prospective Hydrodog franchisee, this implies that the terms of the Franchise Agreement are not absolute and may be subject to external legal standards, especially in Washington. It is crucial for franchisees to be aware of these potential overrides, particularly regarding termination and renewal, and to understand their rights under Washington state law. Franchisees should consult with a legal professional to fully understand the implications of these provisions and how they may affect their franchise agreement.