Who are the 'Indemnified Parties' that a Zoomin Groomin franchisee must indemnify, defend, and hold harmless?
Zoomin_Groomin Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Any provision in the franchise agreement or related agreements requiring the franchisee to indemnify, reimburse, defend, or hold harmless the franchisor or other parties is hereby modified such that the franchisee has no obligation to indemnify, reimburse, defend, or hold harmless the franchisor or any other indemnified party for losses or liabilities to the extent that they are caused by the indemnified party's negligence, willful misconduct, strict liability, or fraud.
Source: Item 9 — 01. Financial Statements and Exhibits. (FDD pages 68–156)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Zoomin Groomin Franchise Disclosure Document, the franchisee's obligation to indemnify, reimburse, defend, or hold harmless the franchisor or other parties is modified by Washington state law.
Specifically, a Zoomin Groomin franchisee is not obligated to indemnify, reimburse, defend, or hold harmless the franchisor or any other indemnified party for losses or liabilities to the extent that these losses or liabilities are caused by the indemnified party's negligence, willful misconduct, strict liability, or fraud.
This modification is based on RCW 19.100.190, which addresses franchisees' rights and protections under Washington state law. This statute takes precedence over any conflicting provisions in the franchise agreement or related documents, ensuring that franchisees are not held responsible for the franchisor's or other parties' misconduct or negligence. This provides a safeguard for franchisees against undue liability arising from the actions of the franchisor or other associated parties.