What effect do statements, questionnaires, or acknowledgments signed by an Annex Brands franchisee have on waiving claims under state franchise law or disclaiming reliance on statements by the franchisor?
Annex_Brands Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- (2) The franchise agreement and any document signed in connection with the franchise are supplemented with the following language:
- 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 by any franchisor, franchise seller, or other person acting on behalf of franchisor. This provision supersedes any other term of any document executed in connection with the franchise.
Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 110–299)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Annex Brands's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, in certain states, specific addenda clarify the effect of statements, questionnaires, or acknowledgments signed by a franchisee. For franchisees in Rhode Island, the franchise agreement is supplemented to ensure that no statement, questionnaire, or acknowledgment can waive claims under state franchise law, including fraud in the inducement, or disclaim reliance on statements by Annex Brands or its representatives. This provision overrides any conflicting terms in any document related to the franchise.
Similarly, for franchisees in New York, the franchise agreement is supplemented with language that prevents any statement, questionnaire, or acknowledgment from waiving claims under state franchise law, including fraud in the inducement, or disclaiming reliance on statements made by Annex Brands or its representatives. This also supersedes any other conflicting terms in related documents.
In Illinois, the franchise agreement is supplemented to ensure that any condition, stipulation, or provision that binds a person acquiring a franchise to waive compliance with the Illinois Franchise Disclosure Act or any other Illinois law is void. Minnesota provides that any release signed as a condition of renewal or transfer or to receive a refund of the initial franchise fee will not apply to any claims franchisees may have under the Minnesota Franchises Act.