For a Ledgers franchise in Washington, what is the impact of the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act on the franchisee's rights?
Ledgers Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
he initial franchise fee and other initial payments owed by franchisees to the franchisor until the franchisor has completed its pre-opening obligations under the franchise agreement."
Washington Addendum to the Franchise Disclosure Document, Franchise Agreement, and Related Agreements
The provisions of this Addendum form an integral part of, are incorporated into, and modify the Franchise Disclosure Document, the franchise agreement, and all related agreements regardless of anything to the contrary contained therein. This Addendum applies if: (a) the offer to sell a franchise is accepted in Washington; (b) the purchaser of the franchise is a resident of Washington; and/or (c) the franchised business that is the subject of the sale is to be located or operated, wholly or partly, in Washington.
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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.
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- Site of Arbitration, Mediation, and/or Litigation. 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.
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- General Release. A release or waiver of rights in the franchise agreement or related agreements purporting to bind the franchisee to waive compliance with any provision under the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act or any rules or orders thereunder is void except when executed pursuant to a negotiated settlement after the agreement is in effect and where the parties are represented by independent counsel, in accordance with RCW 19.100.220(2). In addition, any such release or waiver executed in connection with a renewal or transfer of a franchise is likewise void except as provided for in RCW 19.100.220(2).
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- Statute of Limitations and Waiver of Jury Trial. Provisions contained 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.
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- Transfer Fees. Transfer fees are collectable only to the extent that they reflect the franchisor's reasonable estimated or actual costs in effecting a transfer.
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- Termination by Franchisee. The franchisee may terminate the franchise agreement under any grounds permitted under state law.
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- Certain Buy-Back Provisions. Provisions in franchise agreements or related agreements that permit the franchisor to repurchase the franchisee's business for any reason during the term of the franchise agreement without the franchisee's consent are unlawful pursuant to RCW 19.100.180(2)(j), unless the franchise is terminated for good cause.
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- Fair and Reasonable Pricing. Any provision in the franchise agreement or related agreements that requires the franchisee to purchase or rent any product or service for more than a fair and reasonable price is unlawful under RCW 19.100.180(2)(d).
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- Waiver of Exemplary & Punitive Damages. RCW 19.100.190 permits franchisees to seek treble damages under certain circumstances. Accordingly, provisions contained in the franchise agreement or elsewhere requiring franchisees to waive exemplary, punitive, or similar damages are void, except when executed pursuant to a negotiated settlement after the agreement is in effect and where the parties are represented by independent counsel, in accordance with RCW 19.100.220(2).
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- Franchisor's Business Judgement. Provisions in the franchise agreement or related agreements stating that the franchisor may exercise its discretion on the basis of its reasonable business judgment may be limited or superseded by RCW 19.100.180(1), which requires the parties to deal with each other in good faith.
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- Indemnification. Any provision in the franchise agreement or related agreements requiring the franchisee to indemnify, reimburse, defend, or hold harmless the franchisor or other parties is hereby modified such that the franchisee has no obligation to indemnify, reimburse, defend, or hold harmless the franchisor or any other indemnified party for losses or liabilities to the extent that they are caused by the indemnified party's negligence, willful misconduct, strict liability, or fraud.
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- Attorneys' Fees. If the franchise agreement or related agreements require a franchisee to reimburse the franchisor for court costs or expenses, including attorneys' fees, such provision applies only if the franchisor is the prevailing party in any judicial or arbitration proceeding.
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- Noncompetition Covenants. Pursuant to RCW 49.62.020, a noncompetition covenant is void and unenforceable against an employee, including an employee of a franchisee, unless the employee's earnings from the party seeking enforcement, when annualized, exceed $100,000 per year (an amount that will be adjusted annually for inflation).
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 46)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Ledgers's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act significantly impacts a franchisee's rights in several key areas. A Washington Addendum modifies the standard franchise agreement to ensure compliance with Washington law. This addendum applies if the franchise is offered or accepted in Washington, if the purchaser is a Washington resident, or if the franchised business operates in Washington.
The Act stipulates that its provisions will prevail in the event of any conflict of laws. RCW 19.100.180 may override aspects of the franchise agreement related to the franchisee's relationship with Ledgers, particularly concerning termination and renewal. Court decisions may also supersede the franchise agreement. Any arbitration or mediation must occur in Washington or a mutually agreed-upon location. Franchisees also have the right to bring legal action in Washington for issues arising from the sale of the franchise or violations of the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act, provided litigation isn't precluded by the franchise agreement.
The Act also addresses specific franchisee protections. Releases or waivers of rights under the Act are void unless executed during a negotiated settlement with independent counsel after the agreement is in effect. Similarly, waivers related to franchise renewal or transfer are void except as provided in RCW 19.100.220(2). Provisions that unreasonably limit the statute of limitations for claims or rights under the Act, such as the right to a jury trial, may not be enforceable. Transfer fees can only reflect Ledgers's reasonable costs. Franchisees can terminate the agreement on grounds permitted by state law. Buy-back provisions allowing Ledgers to repurchase the franchise without the franchisee's consent (unless terminated for good cause) are unlawful under RCW 19.100.180(2)(j). Requiring franchisees to purchase or rent products/services at unfair prices is also unlawful under RCW 19.100.180(2)(d).
Furthermore, the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act impacts non-solicitation agreements, prohibiting Ledgers from restricting a franchisee's ability to solicit or hire employees of other Ledgers franchisees or Ledgers itself, rendering conflicting provisions unenforceable. Statements or acknowledgments signed by franchisees cannot waive claims under state franchise law or disclaim reliance on franchisor statements. Provisions that prohibit franchisees from communicating with regulators are unlawful under RCW 19.100.180(2)(h).