Is a general release binding a Zoomin Groomin franchisee to waive compliance with the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act void?
Zoomin_Groomin Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
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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).
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 the 2025 Zoomin Groomin Franchise Disclosure Document, a general release or waiver of rights within the franchise agreement that attempts to bind a franchisee to waive compliance with any provision of the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act is generally void.
However, there is an exception: such a release is permissible if it's executed as part of a negotiated settlement after the franchise agreement is already in effect. In this case, both parties must be represented by independent legal counsel, in accordance with RCW 19.100.220(2). Additionally, any release or waiver connected to the renewal or transfer of a Zoomin Groomin franchise is also void, unless it meets the conditions specified in RCW 19.100.220(2).
This means that Zoomin Groomin franchisees in Washington are generally protected from unknowingly waiving their rights under the state's franchise laws through standard form agreements. Any waiver must be the result of informed negotiation with independent legal representation after the franchise is operational, or in situations of renewal or transfer, must adhere to specific legal requirements to be valid.