Does the Illinois Rider allow a person acquiring a Cicis franchise to waive compliance with the Illinois Franchise Disclosure Act?

According to Cicis's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the Illinois Rider explicitly prohibits any waiver of compliance with the Illinois Franchise Disclosure Act. Specifically, Section 41 of the Illinois Franchise Disclosure Act states that any condition, stipulation, or provision that attempts to bind a person acquiring a Cicis franchise to waive compliance with the Illinois Franchise Disclosure Act or any other Illinois law is void. This protection extends to statements, questionnaires, or acknowledgments signed by the franchisee in connection with starting the franchise relationship. These documents cannot waive claims under state franchise law, including claims of fraud.

This provision ensures that Cicis franchisees in Illinois retain all rights and protections afforded to them under Illinois law. It prevents Cicis from including clauses in the franchise agreement that might force franchisees to unknowingly surrender their legal rights. The rider emphasizes that no document signed by the franchisee can disclaim reliance on statements made by Cicis or its representatives. This safeguards franchisees from potential misrepresentations made during the franchise sales process.

For a prospective Cicis franchisee in Illinois, this is a significant protection. It means that the franchisee cannot be compelled to waive their rights under the Illinois Franchise Disclosure Act, regardless of what the franchise agreement might otherwise state. This protection helps ensure a fair and transparent franchising process, allowing franchisees to make informed decisions based on accurate information and without fear of unknowingly forfeiting their legal recourse. This also means that Cicis franchisees can rely on the disclosures made by the franchisor and hold them accountable for any misrepresentations or omissions.