How does COMAR 02.02.08.16L affect the general release required for renewal or assignment/transfer in the Canine Dimensions Disclosure Document?
Canine_Dimensions Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
According to COMAR 02.02.08.16L, Item 17 of the Disclosure Document shall be amended at the sections dealing with the issuance of general releases to the effect that the general release required as a condition of renewal and/or assignment/transfer are not intended to nor shall they act as a release, estoppel or waiver of any liability under the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law.
The appropriate sections of the Franchise Agreement are deemed to be amended accordingly.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 36)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Canine Dimensions's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, COMAR 02.02.08.16L amends Item 17 regarding general releases. Specifically, the general release required for renewal or assignment/transfer will not act as a release, estoppel, or waiver of any liability under the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law. This amendment also applies to the relevant sections of the Franchise Agreement.
This means that while Canine Dimensions requires a general release as a condition of renewal or transfer, this release cannot waive a franchisee's rights or protect Canine Dimensions from liabilities under Maryland's franchise laws. This provision ensures that franchisees in Maryland retain their legal protections under state law, even when signing a general release.
This is a state-specific protection, and franchisees in other states may not have the same safeguard. Prospective franchisees should consult with a legal professional to understand the implications of general releases in their specific state and how they interact with franchise laws.