In Maryland, does the release required as a condition of renewal, sale, or assignment/transfer for a Byrider franchise apply to claims or liability arising under the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law?

According to the 2025 Byrider Franchise Disclosure Document, any release required as a condition of renewal, sale, or assignment/transfer will not apply to claims or liabilities arising under the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law. This means that even if a franchisee signs a release when renewing, selling, or transferring their franchise, they do not waive their rights to pursue claims related to violations of Maryland's franchise law.

This protection is further reinforced by a rider to the franchise agreement specifically for Maryland franchisees. This rider states that any representations requiring a franchisee to release, estop, or waive liability will not act as a release, estoppel, or waiver of any liability incurred under the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law. This ensures that Byrider franchisees in Maryland retain their legal rights under state franchise law, regardless of any releases they may sign.

This provision is particularly important for prospective franchisees in Maryland as it safeguards their ability to seek legal recourse if they believe Byrider has violated the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law. This law is designed to protect franchisees from unfair or deceptive practices by franchisors, and this clause ensures that franchisees can enforce their rights under the law without being hindered by a release agreement.