Under the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law, are provisions requiring Focus Cfo franchisees to file lawsuits in Ohio enforceable?

According to the 2025 Focus Cfo Franchise Disclosure Document, any provisions in the document or the Franchise Agreement that require a franchisee to file a lawsuit in Ohio may not be enforceable under Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law. Franchisees have the right to sue in Maryland for claims arising under this law. Item 17 of the Disclosure Document and Section 17.2 of the Franchise Agreement are amended to align with Maryland law. This Maryland notice applies only to franchisees who are residents of Maryland or locate their franchises in Maryland.

Specifically, Section 17.1 of the Franchise Agreement is amended to allow franchisees to bring lawsuits in Maryland for claims arising under the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law. Section 17.2 is also amended to allow franchisees to file lawsuits against Focus Cfo in Maryland for claims arising under the same law. Additionally, Section 17.4 is amended to ensure that any claims arising under the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law must be brought within three years of the Franchise Agreement date.

Furthermore, any representations requiring a franchisee to assent to a release, estoppel, or waiver of liability will not act as such under the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law. Any general release required for renewal, sale, assignment, or transfer will also not apply to any liability under this law. This ensures that Focus Cfo franchisees in Maryland retain their rights and protections under Maryland law, regardless of conflicting provisions in the standard Franchise Agreement.