Franchise & Distribution
The legal challenges faced by franchisors, licensors and distributors present both obstacles and opportunities. For clients launching or growing a franchise, licensing or other distribution program, having a knowledgeable, highly experienced legal team provides the foundation to grow efficiently while complying with the complex web of state and federal laws regulating the offer and sale of franchises, licenses and other distribution models.
Our Franchise & Distribution attorneys are truly Client Minded Advocates® that go the extra mile to ensure that our clients understand how to navigate and overcome any legal issues that may stand in their way. Whether clients need assistance with launching a franchise system, regulatory compliance or litigation/dispute resolution, our partners work in close collaboration with each other and with their clients to plan, structure and implement the winning strategies and relationships that are critical to successful franchising, licensing and other forms of distribution.
Our Franchise & Distribution core services include:
- Strategic Franchise Evaluation — Initial evaluation of potential franchise offerings
- Franchise Disclosure Documents — Drafting FDDs and assisting with all legal aspects of establishing and growing franchise systems
- Franchise System Management — Maintaining and supporting well-established franchise systems in the U.S. and internationally
- Franchise Agreements — Negotiating and drafting franchise agreements, multi-unit development agreements, and area representative agreements
- Regulatory Compliance — Franchise registration, exemptions, and compliance with state and federal franchise laws
- Franchise Relationship Counseling — Advising on franchise relationship issues, including enforcement and dispute resolution
- Dispute Resolution — Mediation, arbitration, and litigation when informal resolution is not possible
- Franchise System Sales — Assisting with the full or partial sale of franchise systems to private equity firms or other purchasers
Our experience in franchising and distribution encompasses clients in a wide variety of industries, including, but not limited to:
- Athletic clubs, boutique fitness, gyms, and nutrition shops
- Hotels
- Medical
- Wellness & Beauty
- Home goods and services
- Quick service dining concepts
- Gaming
- Commercial/residential painting and roofing
- Education/instructional services
- Home restoration/renovations
- Heavy equipment parts and services
- Moving services
- Temporary personnel & staffing
- Commercial cleaners
- Oil & gas
Our attorneys work collaboratively across CM Law’s practice groups to deliver coordinated counsel for franchise clients at every stage of growth.
