What is the deadline for bringing claims arising under the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law against Dog Haus, according to the Maryland Addendum?
Dog_Haus Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Any provision requiring Area Developer to bring an action against Franchisor in any state other than Maryland shall not apply to claims arising under the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law. Area Developer may bring an action in Maryland for claims arising under the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law. All claims arising under the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law must be brought within 3 years after the grant of a franchise.
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- The Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law prohibits a franchisor from requiring a prospective franchisee to assent to any release, estoppel or waiver of liability as a condition of purchasing a franchise. All representations requiring prospective franchisees to disclaim the occurrence and/or non-occurrence of acts that would constitute a violation of the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law or assent to a release, estoppel or waiver of liability in order to purchase a franchise are not intended to, nor shall they act as a release, estoppel or waiver of any liability incurred under the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 87–328)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Dog Haus's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, specifically the Maryland Addendum, a franchisee has a limited time to bring claims under the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law. All such claims must be initiated within 3 years after the franchise is granted.
This means that if a Dog Haus franchisee in Maryland believes Dog Haus has violated the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law, they must file any legal action within this three-year window. Failing to do so could result in the claim being time-barred, meaning the franchisee would lose their right to sue, regardless of the merits of their case. This limitation period applies specifically to claims arising under Maryland's franchise law.
This provision is important for prospective Dog Haus franchisees in Maryland to understand, as it sets a clear deadline for pursuing legal remedies related to potential violations of the state's franchise laws. Franchisees should consult with an attorney promptly if they believe they have a claim to ensure they do not miss this critical deadline. This timeframe also applies to Area Developer Agreements.