Does the Bambu General Release cover claims related to any agreements related to the Franchise Agreement?
Bambu Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Release. Franchisee, for itself and its affiliates, and their respective current and former successors, assigns, officers, shareholders, directors, members, managers, agents, heirs and personal representatives ("Franchisee Affiliates"), hereby fully and forever unconditionally releases and discharges Bambu and its affiliates, and their respective successors, assigns, agents, representatives, employees, officers, shareholders, directors, members, managers and insurers (collectively referred to as "Bambu Affiliates") from any and all claims, demands, obligations, actions, liabilities and damages of every kind and nature whatsoever ("Released Claims"), in law or in equity, whether known or unknown, which Franchisee or the Franchisee Affiliates may now have against Bambu or the Bambu Affiliates or which may hereafter be discovered. Without limiting the foregoing, Released Claims includes, but is not limited to, all claims, demands, obligations, actions, liabilities and damages, known or unknown, in any way arising from or relating to: (i) any relationship or transaction with Bambu or the Bambu Affiliates, (ii) the Franchise Agreement or any related agreements, and (iii) the franchise relationship, from the beginning of time until the date of this Release.
Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 52–209)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Bambu's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the General Release does cover claims related to the Franchise Agreement and any related agreements. The release requires franchisees to discharge Bambu from any and all claims, demands, obligations, actions, liabilities, and damages, whether known or unknown, that the franchisee may have against Bambu.
Specifically, the release includes claims arising from or relating to any relationship or transaction with Bambu, the Franchise Agreement or any related agreements, and the franchise relationship itself. This means that by signing the release, a franchisee waives their right to sue Bambu for issues stemming from the franchise agreement or any other agreements associated with it.
It is important to note that the FDD includes specific clauses regarding the release of unknown claims and waivers of certain state laws, such as California Civil Code Section 1542, which protects against releasing claims that are not known at the time of signing the release. Franchisees in Washington should be aware that a release or waiver of rights may not include rights under the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act unless specific conditions are met, such as a negotiated settlement with independent counsel.