factual

What is the purpose of the 'WITNESSETH' section in the Chatime General Release?

Chatime Franchise · 2025 FDD

Answer from 2025 FDD Document

nature: __________________________

Print Name:_________________________

Signature: Date:
Print Name:
Signature: Date:

Date: _________________________________

EXHIBIT 1 to the Franchise Agreement Form of Release

GENERAL RELEASE

THIS GENERAL RELEASE is made this day of , 20_
WITNESSETH:
I,
,
a
resident(s)
in
the
State
of
,
and
,
a
[State of Incorporation] company
having
its
principal place of business at
(each of the foregoing being collectively referred to herein as the "UNDERSIGNED") for and in
consideration
of
the
sum
of
One
Dollar
($1.00)
paid
to
them
by
Chatime
Franchise,
LLC
and
other
good
and
valuable
consideration,
the
receipt
of
which
is
hereby
acknowledged,
the
UNDERSIGNED, individually and for itself, its parent, subsidiaries, affiliates, agents, servants,
employees, shareholders, officers, directors, partners, heirs, successors and assigns, do each
hereby
forever
release,
remise,
and
discharge
Chatime
Franchise,
LLC,
their
predecessors,
successors
and
assigns,
parents,
subsidiaries,
and
affiliated
entities
and
their
respective
managers,
members,
officers,
directors,
agents,
employees,
and
representatives,
past
and
present, of any
and all of such entities (all collectively referred to herein as "FRANCHISOR"), of
and
from
any
and
all
claims,
demands,
causes
of
action,
suits,
debts,
dues,
duties,
sums
of
money,
accounts,
reckonings,
covenants,
contracts,
agreements,
promises,
damages,
judgments, extents, executions, liabilities and obligations, both contingent and fixed, known and
unknown, of every kind and nature whatsoever in law or equity, or otherwise, under local, state,
or
federal
law,
against
any
of
them,
which
the
UNDERSIGNED
or
any
one
of
them
or
their
predecessors
in
interest,
if
any,
ever
had,
now
have,
or
which
they,
their
heirs,
executors,
administrators,
successors,
or
assigns
hereafter
can,
will,
or
may
have,
for,
upon,
or
by
reason
of,
any
matter, cause, or thing whatsoever, from the beginning of the world to the date of have, fo

Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 58–262)

What This Means (2025 FDD)

According to Chatime's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the 'WITNESSETH' section of the General Release serves to formally introduce and establish the agreement. It identifies the parties involved (the Undersigned, which includes individuals or companies, and Chatime Franchise, LLC), and acknowledges that consideration, in this case, one dollar ($1.00) and other valuable consideration, has been exchanged. This acknowledgement is a legal formality confirming that both parties are entering the agreement willingly and with something of value changing hands.

The 'WITNESSETH' section then leads into the core of the release, where the Undersigned agrees to release and discharge Chatime Franchise, LLC from any and all claims, demands, and liabilities. This release covers a broad range of potential issues, both known and unknown, that the Undersigned might have against Chatime. By signing the General Release, the franchisee (or other relevant party) essentially waives their right to sue Chatime for any past, present, or future grievances, with some limitations.

It's important to note that the Maryland Addendum to the Chatime Franchise Disclosure Document specifies that a general release required as a condition of approval will not apply to any liability under the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law. This highlights that the scope of such releases can be limited by state-specific franchise laws, offering some protection to franchisees. Prospective franchisees should carefully review the General Release and any applicable state addenda with legal counsel to fully understand the implications of signing such a document.

Disclaimer: This information is extracted from the 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document and is provided for research purposes only. It does not constitute legal or financial advice. Consult with a franchise attorney before making any investment decisions.
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