Does the release of claims against Bumble Roofing cover debts, dues, and sums of money?
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 executed by the franchisee covers debts. Specifically, when a franchisee enters into a Successor Franchise Agreement with Bumble Roofing, they agree to a comprehensive release of claims. This release extends to the Franchisor and its affiliates, protecting them from a wide array of potential liabilities.
The release encompasses "any and all claims, debts, demands, damages, costs, expenses, actions, causes of action, or suits of any kind whatsoever". This broad language indicates that the franchisee waives their right to pursue legal action against Bumble Roofing for virtually any reason, including but not limited to financial obligations, unless otherwise specified. This includes claims arising from the Franchise Agreement itself or any other contractual relationship between the franchisee and Bumble Roofing.
The franchisee also agrees to refrain from initiating or supporting any legal actions against Bumble Roofing and its related parties. This includes claims for damages, injunctive relief, or any other form of compensation for losses or injuries. However, there is an exception for claims arising under the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act, if applicable. Franchisees in California also waive their rights under Section 1542 of the California Civil Code, acknowledging that they are relinquishing claims even if they are currently unknown.
This release is a significant consideration for franchisees, as it limits their ability to seek legal recourse against Bumble Roofing. Prospective franchisees should carefully review the terms of the release with legal counsel to fully understand its implications and ensure they are comfortable with the scope of the waiver.