In the event of a conflict of laws, which law prevails for a Petro Stopping Center franchise in Washington?

According to the 2025 FDD, for a Petro Stopping Center franchise in Washington, in the event of a conflict of laws, the provisions of the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act, Chapter 19.100 RCW, will prevail. This means that if there is a disagreement between the franchise agreement and Washington state law, the state law will be followed. This protection is specifically outlined in the addendum to the disclosure document for Washington.

This provision is designed to protect franchisees in Washington by ensuring that their rights under state law are upheld. It prevents the franchise agreement from overriding the protections provided by the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act. This act covers various aspects of the franchise relationship, including termination and renewal, and aims to provide a fair balance between the franchisor and franchisee.

For a prospective Petro Stopping Center franchisee in Washington, this is a significant safeguard. It ensures that certain rights and remedies available under the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act cannot be waived or limited by the franchise agreement. This includes rights related to termination, renewal, and the statute of limitations for claims under the Act. Franchisees should be aware of these protections and consult with legal counsel to fully understand their rights under Washington law.