For Canopy Lawn Care, who does the Successor Addendum apply to, besides the parties involved?
Canopy_Lawn_Care Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- RELEASE OF CLAIMS. As of the date of this Successor Addendum, in consideration for Franchisor entering into the Successor Franchise Agreement, Franchisee does hereby compromise, settle, and absolutely, unconditionally, and fully release, discharge, and hold harmless for itself and each of its respective heirs, executors, administrators, representatives, successors, assigns, officers, members, managers, directors, shareholders, employees, partners, and affiliates (collectively, the "Franchisee Releasing Parties"), Franchisor and its past, present and future officers, directors, agents, attorneys, employees, shareholders, successors, assigns, members, managers, and Affiliates (collectively, the "Franchisor Released Parties"), for all purposes, of and from any and all claims, debts, demands, damages, costs, expenses, actions, causes of action, or suits of any kind whatsoever, at common law, statutory or otherwise, whether now known or not, whether contingent or matured, including, without limitation, any claim, demand, or cause of action arising out of or in connection with Franchisee's Lawn Care Business or the Franchise Agreement or any other contractual relation between Franchisee and Franchisor and/or any Franchisor Released Parties, which Franchisee Releasing Parties may have had or may now have directly or indirectly against any or all of Franchisor Released Parties based upon or arising out of any event, act, or omission that has occurred prior to the date hereof. Franchisee Releasing Parties further covenant and agree to never institute, prosecute or assist others to institute or prosecute, or in any way aid any claim, suit, action at law or in equity, or otherwise assert any claim against any or all of Franchisor Released Parties for any damages (actual, consequential, punitive or otherwise), injunctive relief, or other loss or injury either to person or property, cost, expense, attorneys' fees, amounts paid on account of recovery or settlement, or any other damage or harm whatsoever, based upon or arising out of any event, act, or omission that has occurred prior to the date hereof.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 55)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Canopy Lawn Care's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the Successor Addendum involves a release of claims, which extends beyond just Canopy Lawn Care (the Franchisor) and the Franchisee. Specifically, the release protects several categories of individuals and entities connected to both parties.
For the Franchisee, the release covers their heirs, executors, administrators, representatives, successors, assigns, officers, members, managers, directors, shareholders, employees, partners, and affiliates, all referred to as the "Franchisee Releasing Parties." This means that these individuals and entities associated with the franchisee are also bound by the terms of the release, preventing them from bringing claims against Canopy Lawn Care.
Similarly, for Canopy Lawn Care, the release extends to their past, present, and future officers, directors, agents, attorneys, employees, shareholders, successors, assigns, members, managers, and affiliates, collectively known as the "Franchisor Released Parties." This ensures that a broad range of individuals and entities connected to Canopy Lawn Care are protected from potential claims by the franchisee and their related parties. This comprehensive release is a standard legal practice in franchise agreements to prevent future litigation and ensure a clean break or continuation of the franchise relationship under the successor agreement.