Does the Engel & Volkers Release constitute an admission of liability by Engel & Volkers?
Engel_Volkers Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
-
- Release Not Admission. Franchisee [and Owner each] understands and agrees that the giving or acceptance of this Release and the agreements contained herein shall not constitute or be construed as an admission of any liability by Engel & Völkers or an admission of the validity of any Claims made by or against Engel & Völkers.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 88)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Engel & Volkers' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the franchise agreement includes a clause specifying that the release signed by the franchisee (and owner, if applicable) does not constitute an admission of liability by Engel & Volkers. This means that by signing the release, franchisees are not acknowledging any fault or wrongdoing on the part of Engel & Volkers. This clause protects Engel & Volkers from having the release interpreted as an admission of guilt or responsibility for any claims.
This provision is included to ensure that Engel & Volkers can resolve disputes or settle claims without it being construed as an admission of liability. It allows both parties to move forward without prejudice. The franchisee, by agreeing to this, acknowledges that Engel & Volkers is not admitting any fault simply by offering or accepting the release.
For a prospective Engel & Volkers franchisee, this clause offers some assurance that signing a release is a neutral act and does not automatically imply that Engel & Volkers is admitting any wrongdoing. However, franchisees should carefully review the terms of any release with legal counsel to fully understand their rights and obligations before signing.