What is the effect of RCW 19.100.220(2) on releases or waivers for a Zoomin Groomin franchise in Washington?
Zoomin_Groomin Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
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).
Source: Item 17 — g. of the Disclosure Document is modified to state that, in addition to the grounds for immediate termination specified in Item 17.h., the franchisor can terminate upon written notice and a 60 day opportunity to cure for a breach of the Franchise Agreement. (FDD pages 51–65)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Zoomin Groomin's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, any release or waiver of rights within the franchise agreement or related documents that requires a franchisee to waive compliance with the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act is void. However, there is an exception: such a release or waiver is valid if it is part of a negotiated settlement reached after the franchise agreement is already in effect, and both Zoomin Groomin and the franchisee are represented by independent legal counsel.
This condition also applies to releases or waivers executed during a renewal or transfer of the Zoomin Groomin franchise. This means that franchisees cannot be compelled to sign away their rights under the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act at the outset of the agreement, or during a renewal or transfer, unless specific conditions are met.
In practical terms, this protects Zoomin Groomin franchisees in Washington from unknowingly or unfairly relinquishing their legal rights. It ensures that any waiver is made knowingly and voluntarily, with the benefit of independent legal advice, and typically in the context of resolving an existing dispute rather than as a standard condition of the franchise relationship.