Regarding releases required for renewal, sale, or assignment/transfer of a Byrider franchise, what claims or liabilities are excluded under the Maryland Rider?

According to Byrider's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the Maryland Rider specifies that any release required as a condition of renewal, sale, or assignment/transfer of a Byrider franchise 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 general release when renewing, selling, or transferring their franchise, they do not waive their rights to pursue claims against Byrider under Maryland's franchise law. This protection is specifically carved out to ensure franchisees retain their legal recourse under Maryland law.

This provision is crucial for prospective Byrider franchisees in Maryland because it safeguards their ability to address potential violations of the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law, regardless of any general releases they might sign during the course of their franchise agreement. The Maryland Rider explicitly states that representations requiring a franchisee to release, provide estoppel, or waive liability will not act as a release, estoppel, or waiver of any liability incurred under the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law.

In practical terms, this means a Byrider franchisee in Maryland retains the right to bring legal action against Byrider for violations of Maryland franchise law, even after renewing their franchise, selling it, or transferring it to another party, provided the claims fall under the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law. This offers a layer of protection to the franchisee, ensuring that they do not inadvertently forfeit their legal rights under Maryland law when making transitions in their franchise ownership or agreement.