What specific Washington law is excluded from the general release in the Mr. Sandless agreement?

According to Mr. Sandless's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the general release within the franchise agreement does not apply to claims arising under the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act, specifically RCW 19.100, and its associated rules. This means that while franchisees typically waive certain rights and claims against Mr. Sandless upon signing the agreement, this waiver does not extend to claims related to violations of Washington's franchise investment laws. RCW 19.100 is the specific statute number for the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act.

For a prospective Mr. Sandless franchisee in Washington, this exclusion is significant. It preserves their right to pursue legal action against the franchisor for violations of the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act, such as misrepresentations or omissions in the franchise disclosure process. This protection is particularly important in the context of franchise agreements, where franchisees often rely heavily on the information provided by the franchisor.

This provision ensures that Washington franchisees retain recourse under state law, despite any general release they may sign. It is a specific carve-out designed to protect franchisees' rights under Washington's franchise-specific regulations. Franchisees should consult with an attorney to fully understand their rights and obligations under the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act.