Does the Washington Addendum affect the Zoomin Groomin franchise agreement?
Zoomin_Groomin Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
WASHINGTON ADDENDUM TO THE FRANCHISE AGREEMENT AND RELATED AGREEMENT
The provisions of this Addendum form an integral part of, are incorporated into, and modify the Franchise Disclosure Document, the franchise agreement, and all related agreements regardless of anything to the contrary contained therein. This Addendum applies if: (a) the offer to sell a franchise is accepted in Washington; (b) the purchaser of the franchise is a resident of Washington; and/or (c) the franchised business that is the subject of the sale is to be located or operated, wholly or partly, in Washington.
-
- Conflict of Laws.
In the event of a conflict of laws, the provisions of the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act, chapter 19.100 RCW will prevail.
-
- Franchisee Bill of Rights.
RCW 19.100.180 may supersede provisions in the franchise agreement or related agreements concerning your relationship with the franchisor, including in the areas of termination and renewal of your franchise.
There may also be court decisions that supersede the franchise agreement or related agreements concerning your relationship with the franchisor.
Franchise agreement provisions, including those summarized in Item 17 of the Franchise Disclosure Document, are subject to state law.
-
- Site of Arbitration, Mediation, and/or Litigation.
In any arbitration or mediation involving a franchise purchased in Washington, the arbitration or mediation site will be either in the state of Washington, or in a place mutually agreed upon at the time of the arbitration or mediation, or as determined by the arbitrator or mediator at the time of arbitration or mediation.
In addition, if litigation is not precluded by the franchise agreement, a franchisee may bring an action or proceeding arising out of or in connection with the sale of franchises, or a violation of the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act, in Washington.
-
- General Release.
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 Washington Addendum does affect the franchise agreement under specific conditions. The addendum becomes an integral part of and modifies the Franchise Disclosure Document, the franchise agreement, and all related agreements. This modification applies if the offer to sell a Zoomin Groomin franchise is accepted in Washington, if the purchaser is a resident of Washington, or if the franchised business is to be located or operated, wholly or partly, in Washington.
Several provisions within the Washington Addendum could impact a Zoomin Groomin franchisee. In the event of conflicting laws, the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act will take precedence. The addendum also mentions the Franchisee Bill of Rights (RCW 19.100.180), which may supersede provisions in the franchise agreement, especially concerning termination and renewal. Court decisions may also override the franchise agreement, and franchise agreement provisions are subject to state law.
Furthermore, the addendum specifies that any arbitration or mediation involving a franchise purchased in Washington must occur in Washington, or a mutually agreed-upon location, or as determined by the arbitrator or mediator. Additionally, if litigation is not precluded by the franchise agreement, a franchisee can bring an action in Washington related to the sale of franchises or violations of the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act.
Finally, the addendum addresses general releases, indicating that its provisions are an integral part of the franchise agreement. Therefore, prospective Zoomin Groomin franchisees in Washington should carefully review the Washington Addendum to understand their rights and obligations under Washington law.