What is the significance of the All County franchisee's signature on the Maryland addendum?
All_County Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
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.
No statement, questionnaire, or acknowledgment signed or agreed to by a franchisee 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 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.
Source: Item 22 — Contracts (FDD page 43)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to All County's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the Maryland addendum includes specific stipulations to comply with Maryland statutes and regulations. The addendum modifies certain aspects of the standard franchise agreement to align with Maryland law, particularly concerning franchisee rights and franchisor liabilities.
The document states that any representations requiring prospective franchisees to assent to a release, estoppel, or waiver of liability are not intended to act as a release, estoppel, or waiver of liability incurred under the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law. This ensures that franchisees do not inadvertently waive their rights under Maryland law through standard contract clauses.
Furthermore, the addendum explicitly states that no statement, questionnaire, or acknowledgment signed by a franchisee can waive claims under state franchise law, including fraud in the inducement, or disclaim reliance on statements made by the franchisor. This provision supersedes any conflicting terms in other documents executed in connection with the franchise, reinforcing the protection of franchisee rights under Maryland law. The franchisee's signature on this addendum acknowledges these specific protections and modifications to the franchise agreement as it applies in Maryland.