In Maryland, what is the statute of limitations for bringing claims arising under the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law related to a Body20 franchise?
Body20 Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- LIMITATION OF CLAIMS. The following sentence is added to the end of Section 16.8 ("Limitation of Claims") of the Franchise Agreement:
Any limitation of claims will not act to reduce the three-year statute of limitations afforded you for bringing a claim under the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPT (FDD pages 74–251)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Body20's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, a franchisee in Maryland has three years to bring claims under the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law. This is explicitly stated in a rider to the franchise agreement for use in Maryland. This limitation period cannot be reduced by any other clause in the agreement.
This means that if a Body20 franchisee believes the franchisor has violated the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law, they must initiate legal action within three years of the franchise grant. Failure to do so could result in the claim being time-barred, preventing the franchisee from pursuing legal recourse.
This protection is further reinforced by a provision stating that no statement, questionnaire, or acknowledgement signed by the franchisee can waive claims under any applicable state franchise law, including fraud in the inducement, or disclaim reliance on statements made by Body20 or its representatives. This ensures that franchisees cannot inadvertently forfeit their rights through standard paperwork.