What notice requirements must a City Publications franchisee meet to renew their franchise agreement?
City_Publications Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
THE STATE OF MARYLAND**
This Amendment to the Franchise Agreement is agreed to this day of, 20, between CITY PUBLICATIONS FRANCHISE GROUP, INC. and as follows: to amend and revise said Franchise Agreement 1. In recognition of the requirements of the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law, Md. Code be amended as follows: Ann., Bus. Reg. §§14-201-14-233, the Franchise Agreement for CITY PUBLICATIONS FRANCHISE GROUP, INC. shall ◼ Sections 5B.10 and 20B.2 of the Franchise Agreement require Franchisee to sign a general release as a condition of renewal and transfer of the franchise; such release shall exclude claims arising under the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPT (FDD pages 39–129)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
Based on the 2025 City Publications Franchise Disclosure Document excerpts provided, the specific notice requirements for renewal of a franchise agreement are not detailed. The excerpts do mention sections of the Franchise Agreement related to renewal, specifically Sections 5B.10 and 20B.2, which require a franchisee to sign a general release as a condition of renewal. However, the excerpts relating to Maryland and Rhode Island specify that these releases should exclude claims arising under their respective franchise laws.
Additionally, the California addendum indicates that the California Franchise Relations Act provides rights to the franchisee concerning termination or nonrenewal of the Franchise Agreement, which may supersede provisions in the Franchise Agreement, specifically Sections 5.B and 19. This suggests that the renewal process and any associated notices might be subject to state-specific regulations that could override the standard agreement terms.
To fully understand the notice requirements for renewal, a prospective City Publications franchisee should carefully review the full Franchise Agreement, paying close attention to Sections 5.B, 5B.10, 19, 20B.2, and any state-specific addenda. It would also be prudent to consult with a franchise attorney to ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations in their state.