What is the statute of limitations for claims arising under the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law related to an All County franchise?
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 the 2025 All County 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 initiated within three 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 clear 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 act within this three-year window to preserve their legal rights. Failing to do so could result in the claim being time-barred, meaning the franchisee would lose the ability to sue, regardless of the merits of their case.
It is also worth noting that the All County FDD explicitly states that no statement or acknowledgment signed by the franchisee can waive claims under Maryland franchise law, including claims of fraud. This protects franchisees from inadvertently giving up their legal rights through standard paperwork. Furthermore, any general release required for renewal, sale, or transfer of the franchise does not apply to liabilities under the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law, ensuring these rights remain intact even during transitions.