Does Article IX of the Pearce Bespoke Franchise Agreement apply to Washington franchisees?

According to the 2025 Pearce Bespoke Franchise Disclosure Document, the applicability of the Pearce Bespoke Franchise Agreement, including any specific articles such as Article IX, to Washington franchisees is addressed through a state-specific addendum. The document states that an addendum to the franchise agreement is required by the State of Washington. This addendum includes a provision that, in the event of a conflict of laws, the provisions of the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act, Chapter 19.100 RCW, will take precedence.

This means that while the standard Pearce Bespoke Franchise Agreement serves as the primary contract, the Washington addendum modifies or supersedes any conflicting terms to ensure compliance with Washington state law. Therefore, to understand the complete scope and applicability of any specific article, such as Article IX, a franchisee in Washington must review both the standard agreement and the Washington addendum together.

Prospective Pearce Bespoke franchisees in Washington should carefully examine the Washington addendum alongside the standard franchise agreement to identify any modifications or clarifications relevant to their operations. They should also seek legal counsel to fully understand their rights and obligations under both documents, ensuring they are well-informed about how Washington state law affects their franchise agreement.