Under the Face Foundrie agreement, what liabilities are not released, estopped, or waived by franchisee acknowledgements?

According to the 2025 Face Foundrie Franchise Disclosure Document, any representations requiring a franchisee to agree to a release, estoppel, or waiver of liability will not act as a release, estoppel, or waiver of any liability incurred under the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law. This means that while the franchisee may be asked to acknowledge certain aspects of the franchise agreement that could be interpreted as limiting Face Foundrie's liability, these acknowledgments do not supersede the protections provided by Maryland's franchise law. This provision is specifically included as an addendum to the franchise agreement for use in Minnesota.

For a prospective Face Foundrie franchisee, this is a crucial protection. It ensures that even if the franchise agreement contains clauses that seem to limit the franchisor's liability, the franchisee retains the rights and remedies available under Maryland law. This is particularly important in the context of franchise relationships, where there can be a power imbalance between the franchisor and franchisee.

This clause is included as an addendum to the franchise agreement for use in Minnesota, suggesting that similar protections may be required or advisable in other states with franchise-specific laws. Franchisees should be aware of the specific franchise laws in their state and how they interact with the terms of the franchise agreement. It is advisable for prospective franchisees to seek legal counsel to fully understand their rights and obligations under the franchise agreement and applicable state laws.

It is important to note that this protection applies specifically to liabilities incurred under the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law. Other potential liabilities or waivers within the franchise agreement may still be enforceable. Therefore, franchisees should carefully review all aspects of the agreement and seek legal advice to understand the full scope of their rights and obligations.