Can Ledgers enforce provisions that unreasonably restrict rights or remedies under the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act?

According to Ledgers' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, provisions in the franchise agreement or related agreements that unreasonably restrict or limit the statute of limitations period for claims under the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act, or rights or remedies under the Act such as a right to a jury trial, may not be enforceable. This means that Ledgers franchisees in Washington have certain legal protections under the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act, and Ledgers cannot enforce terms that unduly limit a franchisee's ability to pursue claims or remedies under this Act.

This protection ensures that franchisees are not unfairly disadvantaged by overly restrictive terms in the franchise agreement. For example, Ledgers cannot shorten the time a franchisee has to file a lawsuit for violations of the Act to an unreasonably short period. Similarly, Ledgers cannot enforce a clause that forces a franchisee to give up their right to a jury trial if they have a valid claim under the Act.

This provision is important for prospective Ledgers franchisees in Washington because it clarifies that certain rights and remedies under the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act cannot be unreasonably restricted by the franchise agreement. Franchisees should consult with an attorney to fully understand their rights under Washington law and to ensure that the franchise agreement does not contain any unenforceable provisions.