What is the statute of limitations for claims arising under the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law for a Bft franchise?

According to Bft's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, any claims arising under the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law must be brought within 3 years after the grant of the franchise. This limitation on actions is specifically mentioned in Item 17 of the FDD, which addresses renewal, termination, transfer, and dispute resolution. This clause is added to the end of sections concerning waiver of jury trial, waiver of class actions, and limitation of actions within the franchise agreement.

For a prospective Bft franchisee in Maryland, this means that if they believe Bft has violated the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law, they have a limited time to take legal action. Specifically, they must initiate any lawsuit within three years from the date the franchise was granted. Failing to do so within this timeframe could result in the claim being time-barred, meaning the franchisee would lose their right to sue, regardless of the merits of their case.

This statute of limitations is a critical point for franchisees to understand, as it directly impacts their ability to seek legal recourse if they experience issues with their franchise. Franchisees should consult with an attorney to fully understand their rights and obligations under the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law and to ensure they are aware of the deadlines for filing any potential claims. This also applies to multi-unit agreements.