Does the Maryland Addendum allow a Dryject franchisee to waive claims of fraud in the inducement under any applicable state franchise law?
Dryject Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
No statement, questionnaire, or acknowledgment 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.
Source: Item 8 — BUSINESS RELATIONSHIP (FDD pages 68–229)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Dryject's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the Maryland Addendum explicitly prevents franchisees from waiving claims of fraud in the inducement under applicable state franchise law. This protection is ensured through a specific provision within the addendum.
Specifically, the Maryland Addendum states that no statement, questionnaire, or acknowledgment signed by a franchisee can waive claims under state franchise law, including fraud in the inducement. This means that any document a franchisee signs during the commencement of the franchise relationship cannot be used to invalidate their right to pursue a fraud claim. This provision is designed to protect franchisees from unknowingly relinquishing their legal rights.
This clause supersedes any other conflicting terms in any document executed in connection with the Dryject franchise. This ensures that the franchisee's right to pursue claims of fraud in the inducement is upheld, regardless of other agreements or clauses that might suggest otherwise. This protection is a significant benefit for prospective franchisees in Maryland, as it reinforces their ability to seek legal recourse if they believe they were misled during the franchise sales process.