For All County franchises in Maryland, what is the deadline for bringing claims under the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law, measured from the grant of the Franchise Agreement?
All_County Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Item 17.
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- Any claims arising under the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law must be brought within 3 years after the grant of the Franchise Agreement.
Source: Item 22 — Contracts (FDD page 43)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to All County's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, a franchisee in Maryland has a limited time to bring a lawsuit for claims arising under the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law. Specifically, any such claims must be brought within 3 years after the grant of the Franchise Agreement. This means the clock starts ticking from the date the franchise agreement is officially granted.
This provision is important for prospective All County franchisees in Maryland because it sets a firm deadline for legal action related to franchise law violations. If a franchisee believes All County has violated the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law, they must initiate legal proceedings within this 3-year window. Failing to do so could result in the claim being time-barred, meaning the franchisee loses their right to sue, regardless of the merits of their case.
It is also important to note that this clause is specifically designed to comply with Maryland statutes and regulations, as indicated in the addendum to the Franchise Disclosure Document. This addendum takes precedence over any conflicting terms in the main body of the Franchise Agreement, ensuring that Maryland franchisees receive the protections afforded to them under state law. Prospective franchisees should consult with an attorney to fully understand their rights and obligations under the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law and to ensure they comply with this 3-year statute of limitations.