(a) (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated. (2) 'Consumer' means an actual or a prospective purchaser, lessee, or recipient of consumer goods or services. (3) 'Consumer goods or services' means goods or services that are primarily for personal, household, or family purposes. (b) A contract or a proposed contract for the sale or lease of consumer goods or services may not include a provision waiving the consumer’s right to make any statement concerning: (1) The seller or lessor; (2) Employees or agents of the seller or lessor; or (3) The consumer goods or services. (c) A person may not: (1) Threaten or seek enforcement of a contract provision prohibited under subsection (b) of this section; or (2) Penalize a consumer for making any statement protected under subsection (b) of this section. (d) A waiver of any provision of this section is contrary to public policy and is void and unenforceable. (e) This section may not be construed to prohibit or limit a person: (1) That hosts online consumer reviews or comments from removing a statement that is otherwise lawful to remove; (2) From including in a contract or a proposed contract for the sale or lease of rson: (1) That hosts online consumer reviews or comments from removing a statement that is otherwise lawful to remove; (2) From including in a contract or a proposed contract for the sale or lease of consumer goods or services a provision prohibiting a consumer from disclosing proprietary information, techniques, or processes; or (3) From bringing an action alleging that a statement made by a consumer is defamatory. (f) A violation of this section is: (1) An unfair and deceptive trade practice within the meaning of Title 13 of this article; and (2) Subject to the enforcement and penalty provisions contained in Title 13 of this article.
Maryland Legal Code