Which exhibit in the Cilantro Taco Grill Franchise Disclosure Document should not be signed by franchisees in Maryland?

According to the 2024 Cilantro Taco Grill Franchise Disclosure Document, Exhibit H, the Franchisee Acknowledgement Statement, should not be signed by franchisees in Maryland. The document states that any releases, estoppels, or waivers of liability within the franchise agreement are not intended to act as a release, estoppel, or waiver of any liability incurred under the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law. This means that while a franchisee in Maryland may sign the Franchisee Acknowledgement Statement, the statement will not waive any rights or protections provided under Maryland franchise law.

This provision protects franchisees in Maryland by ensuring that they cannot inadvertently waive their rights under Maryland's franchise laws through standard acknowledgements or statements within the franchise agreement. This is particularly important because franchise agreements often contain language that could be interpreted as a waiver of certain rights, and this clause clarifies that such waivers are not effective in Maryland.

For a prospective Cilantro Taco Grill franchisee in Maryland, this means they should be aware that signing Exhibit H does not mean they are giving up any legal protections afforded to them by Maryland franchise law. They still retain the right to pursue claims under Maryland's franchise laws, regardless of any statements made in the acknowledgement form. Franchisees should consult with an attorney to fully understand their rights and obligations under the franchise agreement and Maryland law.