Under Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law, can a Dryject franchisee bring a lawsuit in Maryland?
Dryject Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Section 4-216(c)(25) of the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law requires a franchisor to file an irrevocable consent to be sued in Maryland. A franchisee may bring a lawsuit in Maryland for claims arising under the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law.
Any claims arising under the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure law must be brought within three years after the franchise is granted.
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, a franchisee in Maryland may bring a lawsuit in Maryland for claims arising under the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law. This is explicitly stated in the addendum to the Franchise Disclosure Document for the state of Maryland. This provision ensures that Dryject franchisees are not restricted from seeking legal recourse within their own state for issues covered by Maryland's franchise laws.
Furthermore, any claims arising under the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law must be brought within three years after the franchise is granted. This time limit is crucial for franchisees to be aware of, as it sets a deadline for initiating legal action related to franchise law violations.
Additionally, the FDD states that no statement, questionnaire, or acknowledgment signed by a franchisee can waive claims under any applicable state franchise law, including fraud in the inducement, or disclaim reliance on statements made by Dryject or its representatives. This protects franchisees from inadvertently giving up their legal rights through standard paperwork associated with starting the franchise. This provision supersedes any other conflicting terms in any document executed in connection with the franchise, reinforcing the protection of franchisee rights under Maryland law.