What is the COMAR regulation number related to the general release for Amorino franchises in Maryland?

According to Amorino's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, specifically for franchisees in Maryland, the general release required as a condition of renewal, sale, and/or assignment/transfer does not apply to any liability under the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law, pursuant to COMAR 02.02.08.16L. This means that while Amorino may require a general release in these situations, this release cannot waive any rights or claims a franchisee has under Maryland's franchise laws.

This amendment protects Amorino franchisees in Maryland by ensuring they do not inadvertently forfeit their rights under state franchise law when signing a general release. General releases are common in franchise agreements during renewal, sale, or transfer, where franchisees might be asked to release the franchisor from any potential claims. However, this Maryland-specific regulation ensures that franchisees retain their legal protections under the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law, regardless of any general release they sign.

For a prospective Amorino franchisee in Maryland, this is a beneficial provision. It provides an added layer of protection, ensuring that their rights under Maryland franchise law remain intact even if they sign a general release during the course of their franchise agreement. This allows franchisees to address issues covered by the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law, even after signing a general release.