According to the Focalpoint Coaching Rider, what is the new section 17.P about?

According to Focalpoint Coaching's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, a new Section 17.P is added to the Franchise Agreement for franchisees in Maryland. This new section addresses acknowledgements related to liability. Specifically, it states that 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 liability under the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law.

In simpler terms, Focalpoint Coaching cannot include clauses in their agreements that force franchisees to give up their rights or protections under Maryland's franchise laws. This ensures that franchisees retain their legal rights and recourse under Maryland law, regardless of any agreements they may sign with Focalpoint Coaching.

This provision is particularly important for prospective Focalpoint Coaching franchisees in Maryland as it protects them from unknowingly waiving their rights under state franchise law. It ensures that they can still pursue claims and remedies available to them under the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law, even if other parts of the franchise agreement seem to suggest otherwise. This type of protection is not uncommon, as many states have franchise laws designed to protect franchisees from potentially overreaching franchisors.