In the event of a legal proceeding related to the Casiola General Release, who is entitled to recover reasonable attorneys' fees?

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.

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