In Illinois, can a person acquiring a Bumper Man franchise waive compliance with the Illinois Franchise Disclosure Act?

According to the 2025 Bumper Man Franchise Disclosure Document, any attempt to waive compliance with the Illinois Franchise Disclosure Act is void. Specifically, Section 41 of the Illinois Franchise Disclosure Act states that any condition, stipulation, or provision that tries to bind someone acquiring a Bumper Man franchise to waive compliance with the Act or any other Illinois law is not enforceable. This protects franchisees by ensuring they cannot unknowingly or unwillingly give up their rights under Illinois law.

This provision means that Bumper Man franchisees in Illinois retain all the protections afforded to them by the Illinois Franchise Disclosure Act. The franchisor cannot include clauses in the franchise agreement that force a franchisee to waive these rights. This includes rights related to disclosures, termination, and non-renewal, as outlined in the Act.

For a prospective Bumper Man franchisee in Illinois, this is a significant safeguard. It ensures that the franchisee can rely on the protections of Illinois law, regardless of what the franchise agreement might state. It is important for potential franchisees to be aware of this protection and to consult with an attorney to fully understand their rights under the Illinois Franchise Disclosure Act.