Franchising and Licensing

Our franchising lawyers have a vast depth of skill in representing and advising domestic and international franchisors in all facets of their franchise operations; single-unit and multi-unit franchise operators in acquiring, operating and selling their franchises; franchisee associations in dispute resolution with franchisors; franchisee advertising and marketing cooperatives in structuring and operating their cooperatives; and strategic buyers in their acquisition and operation of franchise companies.

Our franchising lawyers have extensive experience in organizing and structuring franchise and other distribution programs; negotiating and preparing complex franchise, subfranchise, and distribution agreements; representing franchisors in compliance with federal and state franchise disclosure and registration laws; evaluating and negotiating supply relationships; counseling on the impact of antitrust and trade regulation laws; advising franchisors on international franchising and distribution matters; preparing and revising operations manuals; assisting with day-to-day franchisor operational issues; preventing and resolving franchise disputes, including advising on defaults, terminations, and litigation strategy; assisting in franchise and dealership terminations advising private equity firms on the acquisition and operation of franchise companies; structuring dealership and licensing programs and assisting franchisors with repurchases of franchised outlets. Our franchising lawyers have served as franchise counsel to many emerging and established regional, national and international franchisors in a variety of industries, including restaurant and hospitality, real estate, automotive, consumer products, insurance, retail, and employment staffing, among others.

On the franchisee side, we have represented numerous franchise operators and franchisee associations in various legal matters, including franchisees in the acquisition, operation and sale of single and multiple-unit franchises; negotiation of development and franchise agreements; structuring and operation of franchisee advertising and marketing cooperatives. We have been advised individual franchisees and franchisee associations in dispute resolution with franchisors.