Which states are exempt from the acknowledgements regarding understanding of the Auntie Annes agreement and disclosure documents?

According to Auntie Annes's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees operating in Maryland should not sign the acknowledgement. Additionally, Section 21.1 (Your Acknowledgements) is deleted from all Illinois Franchise Agreements. This means that franchisees in Maryland and Illinois are exempt from signing the standard acknowledgement form related to understanding the franchise agreement and disclosure documents.

For prospective Auntie Annes franchisees in Maryland, this means they are not required to sign the acknowledgement form, potentially offering some protection against inadvertently affirming statements that may not be entirely accurate. Similarly, Illinois franchisees do not have to sign Section 21.1 of the Franchise Agreement.

It is important for potential franchisees to understand the implications of these exemptions and how they might affect their rights and obligations under the franchise agreement. Consulting with a legal professional is advisable to fully grasp the protections afforded by the franchise laws in Maryland and Illinois.