Franchise and Distribution
Our franchise attorneys represent start-up and established franchisors and franchisees, both domestic and international, on a wide range of franchise law matters. We assist franchisors with matters such as regulatory compliance, relationship law related issues, general franchise law education, and the growth and expansion of their businesses domestically and internationally. We assist franchisees with such issues as the negotiation of single and multiunit purchases and franchise relationship issues. In addition to franchise-specific assistance, our attorneys provide other services relating to owning and operating a business. Such counseling includes assistance with general corporate matters, leasing, construction, real estate, intellectual property, tax planning, probate, labor and employment, financing, health care, technology and litigation.
Representative areas of experience include the following:
- Structuring and documenting new and existing franchise and distribution programs;
- Counseling on compliance with and avoidance of franchise and business opportunity laws;
- Assisting with mergers, acquisitions and sales of franchise and distribution systems;
- Advising on patent, trademark and copyright filings, enforcement and licensing;
- Negotiating manufacturing, supply, distribution, commodities, licensing and intellectual property agreements;
- Assisting with franchise and dealership terminations and transfers;
- Preparing disclosure documents and state registration of franchise offers;
- Advising on compliance with disclosure regulation and franchisee recruitment;
- Counseling on compliance with antitrust laws; and
- Addressing developments in technology and communication related to franchise and distribution relationships, including e-commerce issues.