Does a general release apply to liability under the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law for Zoomin Groomin franchisees?

According to the 2025 Zoomin Groomin Franchise Disclosure Document, a general release required as a condition of renewal, sale, and/or assignment/transfer does not apply to any liability under the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law. This means that Zoomin Groomin franchisees in Maryland cannot be forced to sign away their rights to pursue claims under Maryland's franchise law as a condition of renewing their franchise agreement, selling their franchise, or transferring ownership.

This protection ensures that franchisees retain their legal recourse against Zoomin Groomin for any violations of the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law. The FDD also states that all representations requiring prospective franchisees to assent to a release, estoppel, or waiver of liability are not intended to nor shall they act as a release, estoppel, or waiver of any liability incurred under the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law.

Furthermore, no statement, questionnaire, or acknowledgment signed by a Zoomin Groomin franchisee in connection with starting the franchise can waive claims under any applicable state franchise law, including fraud in the inducement, or disclaim reliance on any statement made by the franchisor. This provision overrides any other conflicting terms in any document related to the franchise agreement, strengthening the franchisee's position under Maryland law.