Which states are exempt from the acknowledgements outlined in section 21.2 of the Auntie Annes franchise agreement?

According to Auntie Annes's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees operating in Maryland are exempt from signing the acknowledgement within the franchise agreement. The document specifies that if the franchise is to be operated in, or the franchisee is a resident of Maryland, they should not sign the acknowledgement.

This exemption suggests that Maryland law may provide specific protections or regulations for franchisees that make the standard acknowledgement unnecessary or inappropriate. The acknowledgement typically serves to confirm that the franchisee has not relied on unauthorized statements or promises from Auntie Annes and that they understand the limitations on claims they can make regarding the franchise.

For prospective Auntie Annes franchisees in Maryland, this means they do not need to complete the acknowledgement form. However, it remains crucial to carefully review all other aspects of the Franchise Agreement and Disclosure Document to fully understand their rights and obligations. It would be prudent for Maryland franchisees to consult with a legal professional familiar with Maryland franchise law to ensure full compliance and understanding of their legal position.