What is the effect of a franchisee signing a questionnaire in connection with the commencement of the Cicis franchise relationship in Illinois?
Cicis Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
The following provision applies if you or the franchise granted hereby are subject to the franchise registration or disclosure laws of Illinois, Indiana, Maryland or Virginia: No statement, questionnaire, or acknowledgment 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 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD pages 64–65)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Cicis Franchise Disclosure Document, if a franchisee is subject to franchise registration or disclosure laws in Illinois, any questionnaire signed in connection with starting the franchise relationship will not waive claims under Illinois franchise law. This includes claims of fraud. The questionnaire also cannot disclaim reliance on statements made by Cicis or anyone acting on its behalf.
This provision in the Cicis franchise agreement overrides any other conflicting terms in any document signed related to the franchise. This means that Cicis franchisees in Illinois retain their rights under state franchise law, regardless of what they might sign in a questionnaire or other document.
This protection is also extended to franchisees in Indiana, Maryland, and Virginia. Cicis cannot use a questionnaire to get franchisees in these states to waive their legal rights or disclaim reliance on the franchisor's statements.