For Canopy Lawn Care franchises in Maryland, what happens to representations requiring prospective franchisees to release liability under the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law?

According to Canopy Lawn Care's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, there are specific protections for franchisees in Maryland regarding releases of liability. Any representations that would require a prospective franchisee to release, provide estoppel, or waive liability are not intended to, and will not, act as a release, estoppel, or waiver of any liability incurred under the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law. This means that Canopy Lawn Care franchisees in Maryland retain their rights and protections under Maryland franchise law, regardless of any general releases they may sign.

Furthermore, the general release required as a condition of sale does not apply to any liability under the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law. This ensures that franchisees are not inadvertently waiving their rights under Maryland law when they sign standard release forms during the franchise sale process. This protection extends to releases required for renewal, sale, and/or assignment/transfer of the franchise.

In addition, no statement, questionnaire, or acknowledgment signed by a Canopy Lawn Care franchisee in Maryland can waive claims under any applicable state franchise law, including claims of fraud in the inducement, or disclaim reliance on statements made by the franchisor or its representatives. This provision supersedes any other conflicting terms in any document executed in connection with the franchise, providing a strong safeguard for franchisees against inadvertently relinquishing their legal rights. These stipulations are included in addenda to both the Franchise Agreement and the Franchise Disclosure Document specifically for Maryland.