Does the Washington Addendum affect Item 17 of the Zoomin Groomin Franchise Disclosure Document?
Zoomin_Groomin Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
[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.]
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- 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.
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- 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.
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- 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.
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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, the Washington Addendum does affect Item 17, which covers renewal, termination, transfer, and dispute resolution. Specifically, Item 17.g is modified to state that, in addition to the grounds for immediate termination specified in Item 17.h, Zoomin Groomin can terminate the franchise agreement with written notice and a 60-day opportunity to cure for a breach of the agreement.
The Washington Addendum also states that provisions in the franchise agreement that conflict with the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act will be superseded by the Act. This includes aspects of termination and renewal, as well as potential court decisions that may supersede the franchise agreement. The addendum clarifies that any agreement requiring the franchisee to waive compliance with the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act is void, unless executed under specific conditions such as a negotiated settlement with independent counsel.
Furthermore, the Washington Addendum addresses the location of arbitration, mediation, and litigation, stating that for franchises purchased in Washington, these proceedings must occur in Washington or a mutually agreed-upon location. The addendum also addresses general releases, statute of limitations, waiver of jury trials, transfer fees, indemnification, and attorneys' fees, modifying the original terms of the franchise agreement to align with Washington state law. These modifications provide additional protections and rights to Zoomin Groomin franchisees operating in Washington.