What is the effect of the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law on the Casiola franchise agreement's arbitration clause?

Amendments to the Casiola Franchise Agreement:

In recognition of the requirements of the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law, the parties to the attached Casiola Franchise LLC Franchise Agreement (the "Franchise Agreement"), as follows:

• 1. The franchise agreement provides that disputes are resolved through arbitration. A Maryland franchise regulation states that it is an unfair or deceptive practice to require a franchisee to waive its right to file a lawsuit in Maryland claiming a violation of the Maryland Franchise Law. In light of the Federal Arbitration Act, there is some dispute as to whether this forum selection requirement is legally enforceable.
• 1. The general release required as a condition of renewal, sale, and/or assignment/transfer shall not apply to any liability under the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law.
• 1. Article 18.G. of the Franchise Agreement, under the heading "Choice of Law, Non-Binding Mediation, Binding Arbitration, and Consent to Jurisdiction," shall be amended by the addition of the following statement added to Article 18.G. of the Franchise Agreement:
  • A franchisee may bring a lawsuit in Maryland for claims arising under the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law.
• 1. Article 18.I. of the Franchise Agreement, under the heading "Limitations of Claims," shall be amended by the addition of the following statement added to Article 18.I. of the Franchise Agreement:

Any claims arising under the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law must be brought within three years after the grant of the franchise.

A general release required as a condition of renewal, sale and/or assignment or transfer of a Franchise Agreement shall not apply to any liability under the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law.

• 1. All representations requiring prospective franchisees to assent to a release, estoppel or waiver of liability are not intended to nor shall they act as a release, estoppel or waiver of any liability incurred under the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law.
• 1. Each provision of this amendment shall be effective only to the extent, with respect to such provision, that the jurisdictional requirements of the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law are met independently without reference to this amendment.
• 1. No statement, questionnaire or acknowledgement signed or agreed to by a franchisee in connection with the commencement of the franchise relationship shall have the effect of: (i) waiving any claims under any applicable state franchise law, including fraud in the inducement, or (ii) disclaiming reliance on any statement made by any franchisor, franchise seller, or other person acting on behalf of the franchisor. This provision supersedes any other term of any document executed in connection with the franchise.

Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 47–209)