What is the statute of limitations for claims arising under the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law for a Zoomin Groomin franchise?
Zoomin_Groomin Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
As to franchises governed by the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law, if any of the terms of the Disclosure Document are inconsistent with the terms below, the terms below control.
- Item 17.b. is modified to also provide, "The general release required as a condition of renewal, sale, and/or assignment/transfer shall not apply to any liability under the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law.
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- Item 17.u. is modified to also provide, "This franchise agreement provides that disputes are resolved through arbitration. A Maryland franchise regulation states that it is an unfair or deceptive practice to require a franchisee to waive its right to file a lawsuit in Maryland claiming a violation of the Maryland Franchise Law. In light of the Federal Arbitration Act, there is some dispute as to whether this forum selection requirement is legally enforceable."
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- Item 17.v. is modified to also provide, "Any claims arising under the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law must be brought within 3 years after the grant of the franchise."
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- No statement, questionnaire, or acknowledgment signed or agreed to by a franchisee in connection with the commencement of the franchise relationship shall have the effect of (i) waiving any claims under any applicable state franchise law, including fraud in the inducement, or (ii) disclaiming reliance on any statement made by any franchisor, franchise seller, or other person acting on behalf of the franchisor. This provision supersedes any other term of any document executed in connection with the franchise.
Source: Item 17 — g. of the Disclosure Document is modified to state that, in addition to the grounds for immediate termination specified in Item 17.h., the franchisor can terminate upon written notice and a 60 day opportunity to cure for a breach of the Franchise Agreement. (FDD pages 51–65)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Zoomin Groomin Franchise Disclosure Document, the statute of limitations for claims arising under the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law is three years. This means that a franchisee must bring any claims related to violations of this law within three years after the franchise is granted.
This limitation is important for prospective Zoomin Groomin franchisees in Maryland to understand. If they believe they have a claim under the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law, they must act promptly to investigate and potentially file a lawsuit within the three-year timeframe. Failure to do so could result in the claim being time-barred, meaning the franchisee would lose the right to pursue legal action.
It is also important to note that the FDD includes a Maryland addendum that modifies certain terms of the standard franchise agreement to comply with Maryland law. This highlights the importance of carefully reviewing the entire FDD and any state-specific addenda to understand your rights and obligations as a franchisee in a particular state.