# Business Regulation (GBR)

## Title 14. Business Opportunities, Franchises, and Multilevel Distribution Companies

### Subtitle 2. Franchises

#### Section 14-229

(a) In connection with an offer to sell or sale of a franchise, a person, directly or indirectly, may not:

  (1) employ a device, scheme, or artifice to defraud;

  (2) make an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statement made, in light of the circumstances under which it is made, not misleading; or

  (3) engage in an act, practice, or course of business that operates or would operate as a fraud or deceit on another person.

(b) A person who willfully sells a franchise knowingly violating this section is guilty of a felony and, on conviction, is subject for each violation to a fine not exceeding $10,000 or imprisonment not exceeding 5 years or both.

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Md. Code Ann., Bus. Reg. (as displayed at mgaleg.maryland.gov, October 16, 2026)