Does the Crave Cookies General Release apply to liabilities under the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law?
Crave_Cookies Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
mplete defense to any Claim.
- 4. Miscellaneous. If any of the provisions of this Release are held invalid for any reason, the remainder of this Release will not be affected and will remain in full force and effect. In the event of any dispute concerning this Release, the dispute resolution, governing law, and venue provisions of the Franchise Agreement shall apply. Releasor agrees to take any actions and sign any documents that Crave Cookies Franchising reasonably requests to effectuate the purposes of this Release. This Release contains the entire agreement of the parties concerning the subject
matter hereof. This Release shall not apply to any liability under the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law.
5. The State of Washington. This general release does not apply with respect to claims arising under the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act, RCW 19.100, and the rules adopted thereunder.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 47–194)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Crave Cookies' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the General Release does not apply to any liability under the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law. Specifically, the Maryland Addendum to the Disclosure Document clarifies this point. This means that if a franchisee in Maryland signs a general release as a condition of renewal, sale, or transfer of the franchise, that release will not waive their rights to bring claims under Maryland's franchise law.
This protection ensures that Maryland franchisees retain their legal rights and remedies under the state's franchise laws, even if they have signed a general release. This is particularly important because franchise laws are designed to protect franchisees from potential unfair practices by franchisors. The Maryland Addendum also states that any claims arising under the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law must be brought within 3 years after the grant of the franchise.
This provision offers a significant benefit to prospective Crave Cookies franchisees in Maryland, as it prevents them from inadvertently waiving their rights under Maryland franchise law through a general release. Franchisees should be aware of this protection and consult with legal counsel to understand their rights and obligations under Maryland law.