Find Lawyers in Washington, District of Columbia for Franchise Law
Practice Area Overview
This definition was published in partnership with national leading attorneys in franchise law, Zarco Einhorn Salkowski, P.A.
Franchise law is governed by many different rules and regulatory bodies and is a combination of common, statutory and regulatory law. In simple terms, these laws are a combination of both federal and state rules that govern the registration of franchises, the relationship between franchisors and franchisees, as well as the offer and sale of franchises. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) oversees all aspects of Franchise Law on a federal basis.
Franchise attorneys provide legal resolutions to business transactions and disputes that often includes breach, contracts, copyright, employment, misrepresentation, securities, structuring, operating agreements, real estate, trademarks and transactions.
As a heavily regulated industry, franchising, at the federal level, requires franchisees to have Franchise Disclosure Documents (FFDs). At a state level, Franchise Law is contingent on state regulations which may impact the pre-sell process and franchise agreements, alter the information needed in the FFD and offer varying protections to franchisees.
Franchise lawyers help franchisees navigate legal landscapes that affects their ability to and operate their businesses effectively. Franchisees can seek assistance with protection of exclusive territories and encroachment, breaches of contract claims, unfair and deceptive trade practices by the franchisor, negligence and/or fraud by the franchisor, tortuous interference with the business relationship and insurance litigation and disputes, including business interruption and other loss of income and damages.
When disputes arise, franchise attorneys can be aggressive and strategic courtroom trial advocates through litigation, arbitration and mediation. Franchise lawyers, with a specialty as Commercial Litigation Trial Lawyers, can level the playing field against franchisors in business disputes, providing a valuable key to the courthouse when absolutely necessary.
Steven Feirman practices franchise and distribution law, with an emphasis on helping franchisors expand their franchise systems in the United States and in foreign jurisdictions. He has gained renown for his work at the intersection of franchising and antitrust, including pricing strategy and supply chain matters. What do you focus on? I am a former Federal Trade Commission lawyer, and I focus on helping well-established and emerging franchise systems develop their business models and expand ...
Warren Lee Lewis serves as chair of Akerman’s Franchise & Licensing Practice, a highly experienced team that handles U.S. and international franchising, licensing, dealership and trademark counseling, registration and litigation matters for franchisors, licensors, subfranchisors, dealers and other business clients. In the field of franchising, Warren has authored books, studies, articles and regulatory comments, frequently speaks at U.S. and international franchise conferences, and ...
Keri McWilliams is a co-leader of the Franchise & Distribution team. She represents start-ups and mid-size companies across numerous industries, including restaurants, retailers, fitness centers, health concepts, and luxury brands, in all aspects of their corporate relationships. Keri is also a member of the Health and Wellness initiative, and the Food, Beverage and Agribusiness team. What do you focus on? Franchising I represent franchise systems ranging from 3 units to more than 1000 un...
Robert Smith focuses his practice on representing U.S. franchisors expanding internationally and serving as franchise counsel in complex financial transactions, including whole business securitization transactions. Bob’s international franchise experience spans more than 80 countries and encompasses counseling franchisors on a continuous stream of projects, including new master franchise, development and area representative agreements, joint ventures, franchise terminations, ownership c...
Kendal handles domestic and cross-border transactions, including mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures and strategic alliances, as well as licensing, distribution and franchise matters. What do you focus on? Franchising With over 25 years of experience, I counsel companies expanding through master franchising, area development franchising, international franchising, management contracts, joint venture agreements, licensing agreements and product distribution arrangements throughout the wor...
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