Under what circumstances can an Eos Worldwide franchisee bring a lawsuit in Maryland?
Eos_Worldwide Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
The following language is added to Section 20 of the Franchise Agreement:
- "Franchisee may bring a lawsuit in Maryland for claims arising out of the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law.
All claims arising under the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law (Md.
Code Bus.
Reg., Sections 14-201 through 14-233) shall be commenced within three (3) years after the grant of the franchise."
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 74)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Eos Worldwide Franchise Disclosure Document, a franchisee in Maryland can bring a lawsuit in Maryland for claims arising out of the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law. This law is specified as Md. Code Bus. Reg., Sections 14-201 through 14-233.
This right to bring a lawsuit in Maryland, specifically for claims under the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law, is an exception to any requirement in the Franchise Agreement that litigation be conducted in Delaware. The FDD also specifies that any such claims must be commenced within three years after the grant of the franchise.
Furthermore, any general release required as a condition for approval of a transfer, renewal, or assignment of the Franchise Agreement will not apply to claims arising under the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law. Similarly, no statement, questionnaire, or acknowledgment signed by a franchisee can waive claims under Maryland franchise law, including fraud in the inducement, or disclaim reliance on statements made by the franchisor.