Does the release requested by Focus Cfo apply to liability under the Maryland Franchise Registration Disclosure law?

According to the 2025 Focus Cfo Franchise Disclosure Document, any releases required of the franchisee do not act as a release, estoppel, or waiver of liability incurred under the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law. This protection extends to general releases required as a condition of renewal, sale, assignment, or transfer of the franchise. This ensures that Focus Cfo franchisees in Maryland retain their rights and protections under Maryland law, regardless of any general release agreements they may enter into.

This provision is particularly important for prospective Focus Cfo franchisees in Maryland as it prevents Focus Cfo from using standard release clauses to circumvent the protections provided by Maryland's franchise laws. The FDD emphasizes that these protections are specifically for franchisees who are residents of Maryland or who locate their franchises in Maryland.

In practical terms, this means that if a Focus Cfo franchisee in Maryland believes they have a claim under the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law, they are not prevented from pursuing that claim simply because they signed a general release. This offers an additional layer of security and legal recourse for franchisees operating in Maryland, ensuring that Focus Cfo adheres to state-specific franchise regulations.