Which sections of the Auntie Annes franchise agreement survive expiration, termination, or transfer?

According to Auntie Anne's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, the General Release signed during the assignment or renewal of the franchise agreement survives the assignment or renewal. This means that even after the agreement is assigned to a new franchisee or renewed for an existing one, the release remains in effect, protecting Auntie Anne's from potential claims related to the franchise relationship up to the date of the release.

The General Release covers a broad range of potential claims, including those arising from federal, state, and local laws. However, it specifically excludes rights that cannot be waived under applicable state franchise laws, such as the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law. This ensures that franchisees retain certain legal protections even after signing the release.

For a prospective Auntie Anne's franchisee, this means that upon assignment or renewal, they are releasing Auntie Anne's from potential liabilities. It is important to carefully review the terms of the General Release and understand its implications before signing. Franchisees should also be aware of any state-specific laws that may affect the enforceability of the release.