Can a Focus Cfo franchisee in Maryland be required to file lawsuits in Ohio?

According to the 2025 Focus Cfo Franchise Disclosure Document, a Focus Cfo franchisee in Maryland may not be required to file lawsuits in Ohio for claims arising under the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law. Specifically, any provision in the Disclosure Document or the Franchise Agreement requiring a franchisee to file a lawsuit in Ohio may not be enforceable under Maryland law.

The FDD includes an addendum for Maryland franchisees clarifying that they may bring a lawsuit against Focus Cfo in Maryland for claims arising under the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law, regardless of what the standard franchise agreement says about jurisdiction. This addendum is applicable if the franchisee is a resident of Maryland, the franchised business is located in Maryland, or any part of the franchise offering or sales activity occurred in Maryland.

This protection for Maryland franchisees extends to the statute of limitations as well. The standard Franchise Agreement might specify a limitations period of less than three years for claims. However, the Maryland addendum ensures that Maryland franchisees have at least three years to bring claims under the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law. This addendum also states that no statement signed by a franchisee can waive claims under applicable state law, including fraud in the inducement, or disclaim reliance on statements made by Focus Cfo.