Under what law is liability not released by the Cicis general release if the franchisee is in Maryland?

According to Cicis's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, if a Cicis franchise is located in Maryland, any general release provided within the franchise agreement will not apply to liability under the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law. This means that while a franchisee might sign a general release to absolve Cicis of various liabilities, this release does not extend to claims arising from violations of Maryland's franchise law.

This provision protects franchisees in Maryland by ensuring they retain their rights under state franchise law, regardless of any general release they may have signed. The Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law is designed to protect franchisees from unfair practices by franchisors, and this clause ensures that franchisees can pursue claims under that law if necessary.

For a prospective Cicis franchisee in Maryland, this is a beneficial provision. It means that even after signing a general release, they still have recourse if Cicis violates the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law. This could include claims related to misleading disclosures, unfair termination practices, or other violations of state franchise law. Franchisees should consult with an attorney to fully understand their rights and obligations under Maryland law.