Does the release of claims against Bumble Roofing cover costs, expenses, and liens?
Bumble_Roofing Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
shareholders, employees, partners, and affiliates (collectively, the "Franchisee Releasing Parties"), Franchisor and its past, present and future officers, directors, agents, attorneys, employees, shareholders, successors, assigns, members, managers, and Affiliates (collectively, the "Franchisor Released Parties"), for all purposes, of and from any and all claims, debts, demands, damages, costs, expenses, actions, causes of action, or suits of any kind whatsoever, at common law, statutory or otherwise, whether now known or not, whether contingent or matured, including, without limitation, any claim, demand, or cause of action arising out of or in connection with Franchisee's Roofing Businesses or the Franchise Agreements or any other contractual relationship between Franchisee and Franchisor and/or any Franchisor Released Parties, which Franchisee Releasing Parties may have had or may now have directly or indirectly against any or all of Franchisor Released Parties based upon or arising out of any event, act, or omission that has occurred prior to the date hereof. Franchisee Releasing Parties further covenant and agree to never institute, prosecute or assist others to institute or prosecute, or in any way aid any claim, suit, action at law or in equity, or otherwise assert any claim against any or all of Franchisor Released Parties for any damages (actual, consequential, punitive or otherwise), injunctive relief, or other loss or injury either to person or property, cost, expense, attorneys' fees, amounts paid on account of recovery or settlement, or any other damage or harm whatsoever, based upon or arising out of any event, act, or omission that has occurred prior to the date hereof.
[The following language is included in the event the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act, RCW 19.100 and the rules adopted thereunder apply: "The release of claims does not apply with respect to claims arising under the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act, RCW 19.100, and the rules adopted thereunder."]
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 53)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Bumble Roofing's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the release of claims that a franchisee must execute includes a release from any and all claims, debts, demands, damages, costs, and expenses. This release applies to claims arising from any contractual relationship between the franchisee and Bumble Roofing. The release covers claims of any kind whatsoever, whether known or unknown, contingent or matured, at common law or statutory.
Specifically, the franchisee agrees to release Bumble Roofing and its affiliates from any claims, debts, demands, damages, costs, expenses, actions, or causes of action. This encompasses any suits of any kind, whether based in common law or statutory law. The release extends to claims that are currently known or unknown, and whether they are contingent or fully matured. It includes claims arising from the franchisee's roofing business, the Franchise Agreement, or any other contractual relationship with Bumble Roofing.
The franchisee also agrees to not initiate or assist in any legal actions against Bumble Roofing for damages, injunctive relief, or any other loss or injury. This includes costs, expenses, attorneys' fees, amounts paid on account of recovery or settlement, or any other damage or harm. However, the release of claims does not apply to claims arising under the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act, if applicable.
In practical terms, this means that a franchisee executing a general release gives up their right to sue Bumble Roofing for a wide range of issues, including those related to costs and expenses. However, the FDD does not specifically mention 'liens,' so it is not clear if the release extends to claims involving liens. A prospective franchisee should seek clarification from Bumble Roofing regarding whether the release of claims includes any potential claims related to liens.