What does the RELEASOR release and discharge the RELEASEE from regarding Deer Solution?
Deer_Solution Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Amendments to the Deer Solution Franchise Disclosure Document
- Item 17, "Renewal, Termination, Transfer and Dispute Resolution," Item 17 is supplemented by the addition of the following:
- A. The Rhode Island Franchise Investment Act, R.I. Gen. Law Ch. 395 Sec. 19-28.1-14 provides that a provision in a Franchise Agreement restricting jurisdiction or venue to a forum outside this state or requiring the application of the laws of another state is void with respect to a claim otherwise enforceable under the Rhode Island Franchise Investment Act.
- B. Any general release as a condition of renewal, termination or transfer will be void with respect to claims under the Rhode Island Franchise Investment Act.
Virginia FDD Amendment
Amendments to the Deer Solution Franchise Disclosure Document
Item 17, "Renewal, Termination, Transfer and Dispute Resolution," Item 17(h) is supplemented by the addition of the following:
Under Section 13.1-564 of the Virginia Retail Franchising Act, it is unlawful for a franchisor to cancel a franchise without reasonable cause. If any grounds for default or termination stated in Deer Solution Franchise Agreement do not constitute "reasonable cause," as that term may be defined in the Virginia Retail Franchising Act or the laws of Virginia, that provision may not be enforceable.
No statement, questionnaire or acknowledgement signed or agreed to by a franchisee in connection with the commencement of the franchise relationship shall have the effect of: (i) waiving any claims under any applicable state franchise law, including fraud in the inducement, or (ii) disclaiming reliance on any statement made by any franchisor, franchise seller, or other person acting on behalf of the franchisor. This provision supersedes any other term of any document executed in connection with the franchise.
Washington FDD Amendment
Amendments to the Deer Solution Franchise Disclosure Document
In the event of a conflict of laws, the provisions of the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act, Chapter 19.100 RCW will prevail.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 55–246)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Deer Solution FDD, the information provided includes amendments specific to Rhode Island, Virginia, and Washington. In Rhode Island, any general release required as a condition of renewal, termination, or transfer of the franchise agreement will not apply to claims made under the Rhode Island Franchise Investment Act. This means that a franchisee in Rhode Island cannot be forced to waive their rights under this Act as a condition of renewing, terminating, or transferring their franchise.
For Virginia, the FDD amendment states that it is illegal for Deer Solution to cancel a franchise without reasonable cause, as defined by the Virginia Retail Franchising Act. Any terms in the Deer Solution Franchise Agreement that do not meet this standard of "reasonable cause" may not be enforceable. Furthermore, any statement signed by a franchisee at the start of the franchise relationship cannot waive claims under state franchise law, including claims of fraud, or disclaim reliance on statements made by Deer Solution.
Finally, in Washington, the amendment clarifies that in case of conflicting laws, the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act will take precedence. These amendments provide additional legal protections to franchisees in these states, ensuring that certain rights and claims cannot be waived or superseded by the franchise agreement.