What is the purpose of the All County Franchise Agreement addendum for the state of Maryland?
All_County Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
chise law, including fraud in the inducement, or (ii) disclaiming reliance on any statement made by any franchisor, franchise seller, or other person acting on behalf of the franchisor. This provision supersedes any other term of any document executed in connection with the franchise.
FRANCHISE AGREEMENT FOR THE STATE OF MARYLAND
This Addendum pertains to residents of the State of Maryland and franchises to be located in the State of Maryland and is for the purpose of complying with Maryland statutes and regulations. Notwithstanding anything which may be contained in the body of the Franchise Agreement to the contrary, the Agreement is amended as follows:
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- Article 1.1 of the Franchise Agreement is deleted in its entirety.
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- Article 25.14 is amended to provide that you may bring a lawsuit in Maryland for claims arising under the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law.
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- Article 25.17 is amended to provide that any claims arising under the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law must be brought within 3 years after the grant of the Franchise Agreement.
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- All representations requiring prospective franchisees to assent to a release, estoppel or waiver of liability are not intended to nor shall they act as a release, estoppel or waiver of liability incurred under the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law.
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- Any general release required in the Franchise Agreement as a condition of renewal, sale, and/or assignment or transfer shall not apply to any liability under the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law.
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- No statement, questionnaire, or acknowledgement signed or agreed to by you in connection with the commencement of the franchise relationship shall have the effect of (i) waiving any claims under any applicable state franchise law, including fraud in the inducement, or (ii) disclaiming reliance on any statement made by us, any franchise seller, or any other person acting on our behalf. This provision supersedes any other term of any document executed in connection with the franchise.
FRANCHISE AGREEMENT FOR THE STATE OF MARYLAND
(continued)
| All County Property Management Franchise Corp.
Source: Item 22 — Contracts (FDD page 43)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to All County's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the addendum to the franchise agreement for the state of Maryland is to ensure compliance with Maryland statutes and regulations. This addendum specifically applies to residents of Maryland and franchises located within the state.
The addendum modifies certain aspects of the standard All County Franchise Agreement to align with Maryland law. For instance, it clarifies that franchisees can bring lawsuits in Maryland for claims arising under the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law and sets a three-year statute of limitations for such claims. It also ensures that franchisees do not waive rights or disclaim reliance on franchisor statements, particularly concerning fraud in the inducement, as protected by Maryland franchise law.
Furthermore, the addendum addresses general releases required for renewal, sale, assignment, or transfer, ensuring they do not apply to liabilities under Maryland's franchise laws. This provides additional protection to franchisees by preventing unintentional waivers of their rights under state law. The document also states that an Acknowledgment Addendum should not be signed by Maryland residents or businesses operating in Maryland.