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

According to Burger King's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees in Maryland have a limited time to bring a lawsuit for claims arising under the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law. Specifically, any such claim must be brought within three years after the grant of the franchise. This amendment applies to all Burger King franchises offered and sold in Maryland, superseding any contradictory information in the standard franchise agreement. This statute of limitations is designed to provide a reasonable period for franchisees to discover and address any potential violations of the law.

This provision is included as an amendment to the standard Burger King franchise agreement to comply with Maryland franchise law. It ensures that franchisees are aware of their right to sue under the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law and clarifies the timeframe within which they must act. The amendment also emphasizes that no statement or agreement signed by the franchisee can waive these rights or disclaim reliance on statements made by Burger King.

For a prospective Burger King franchisee in Maryland, this means they have three years from the date their franchise is granted to file any claims related to violations of the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law. It is crucial for franchisees to keep this deadline in mind and to seek legal advice promptly if they believe they have a claim. This protection helps ensure that Burger King franchisees in Maryland are afforded the full rights and remedies available under state law, without being hindered by standard contractual terms that might otherwise limit their ability to pursue legal action.