2016 Maryland Code
Business Regulation
Title 16 - Cigarettes
Subtitle 5 - Escrow Requirements for Nonparticipating Tobacco Product Manufacturers
§ 16-505. Appointment of agent for service of process

(a) In general. --

(1) Any nonresident or foreign nonparticipating manufacturer that has not registered to do business in the State as a foreign corporation or business entity shall, as a condition precedent to having its brand families included or retained in the directory described in § 16-504 of this subtitle, appoint and continually engage without interruption the services of an agent in the United States to act as an agent for the service of process on the nonresident or foreign nonparticipating manufacturer.

(2) Any process and any action or proceeding against the nonresident or foreign nonparticipating manufacturer concerning or arising out of the enforcement of this subtitle or the Escrow Act may be served in any manner authorized by law.

(3) The service of process shall constitute legal and valid service of process on the nonparticipating manufacturer. The nonparticipating manufacturer shall provide, to the satisfaction of the Attorney General, the name, address, phone number, and proof of the appointment and availability of the agent to the Attorney General.

(b) Notice to Attorney General by nonparticipating manufacturers. --

(1) The nonparticipating manufacturer shall provide:

(i) notice to the Attorney General at least 30 calendar days prior to termination of the authority of an agent; and

(ii) proof to the satisfaction of the Attorney General of the appointment of a new agent not less than 5 calendar days prior to the termination of an existing agent appointment.

(2) If an agent terminates an agency appointment, the nonparticipating manufacturer shall:

(i) notify the Attorney General of the termination within 5 calendar days; and

(ii) include proof to the satisfaction of the Attorney General of the appointment of a new agent.