In Maryland, which office should Deck Medic franchisees contact regarding franchise registration?
Deck_Medic Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
Amendments to the Deck Medic Franchise Agreement:
In recognition of the requirements of the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law, the parties to the attached Deck Medic, Inc. Franchise Agreement (the "Franchise Agreement"), as follows:
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- The franchise agreement provides that disputes are resolves through arbitration. A Maryland franchise regulation states that it is an unfair or deceptive practice to require a franchisee to waive its right to file a lawsuit in Maryland claiming a violation of the Maryland Franchise Law. In light of the Federal Arbitration Act, there is some dispute as to whether this forum selection requirement is legally enforceable.
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- The general release required as a condition of renewal, sale, and/or assignment/transfer shall not apply to any liability under the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law.
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- Article 18.G. of the Franchise Agreement, under the heading "Choice of Law, Non-Binding Mediation, Binding Arbitration, and Consent to Jurisdiction," shall be amended by the addition of the following statement added to Article 18.G. of the Franchise Agreement:
A franchisee may bring a lawsuit in Maryland for claims arising under the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law.
- Article 18.I. of the Franchise Agreement, under the heading "Limitations of Claims," shall be amended by the addition of the following statement added to Article 18.I. of the Franchise Agreement:
Any claims arising under the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law must be brought within three years after the grant of the franchise.
A general release required as a condition of renewal, sale and/or assignment or transfer of a Franchise Agreement shall not apply to any liability under the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 43–228)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
Based on the 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, the provided excerpts do not include the specific contact information for the Maryland office related to franchise registration for Deck Medic. The document includes amendments to the franchise agreement and FDD specific to Maryland, addressing dispute resolution, liability, and claim limitations under the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law. However, it does not provide the actual contact details for the relevant Maryland state authority.
While the FDD amendments acknowledge Maryland's franchise laws, they focus on legal and procedural aspects of the franchise relationship within the state. These amendments ensure that Deck Medic franchisees in Maryland retain certain rights and protections under state law, particularly regarding lawsuits and claims. The absence of specific contact information suggests that prospective franchisees need to seek this information elsewhere.
Therefore, a potential Deck Medic franchisee in Maryland should directly request the contact information for the relevant Maryland franchise registration office from the franchisor. This information is crucial for ensuring compliance with state regulations and for addressing any questions or concerns related to franchise registration and disclosure in Maryland.