Our firm’s Franchise and Distributorships practice involve representing franchisors, franchisees, distributors and dealers in transactional matters and all phases of litigation and alternative dispute resolution (ADR). From drawing up franchise business plans and negotiating franchise agreements to litigating royalty disputes and distributor terminations, we offer professional and full-service legal representation to a broad range of clients in this highly technical area of the law.
Serving Franchisors, Franchisees, Distributors and Dealers in All Industries
We have extensive transactional and litigation experience in franchise and distributorship matters, and our experience representing a diverse client base allows us to bring a unique perspective to every engagement. Over the years, we have handled franchise and distributorship matters in industries including:
- Fast food
- Motor vehicle dealerships
- Healthcare
- Hospitality
- Oil and gas
- Optical
- Real estate (including recreation facilities and retail enterprises)
- Retail (including convenience stores)
- Other consumer and commercial product and services
Comprehensive Experience in Franchise and Distributorship Matters
Our firm’s broad experience in the area of franchise and distributorship law allows us to represent clients effectively in all types of transactions and litigation. This includes representing clients with respect to:
- Franchise planning, including review and preparation of Franchise Disclosure Documents (FDDs) and franchise agreements
- Negotiation of initial, renewal and transfer franchise agreements
- Drafting, review and negotiation of master franchise agreements, marketing agreements, distribution agreements and other franchise-related contracts
- Formation, purchase, sale, acquisition, and expansion of franchise operations
- Franchise financing transactions
- Franchise dispute resolution, including representation of franchisors and franchisee in complex franchise litigation and arbitration
- Other franchise law issues, including franchise regulatory compliance and franchise terminations
Oil and Gas Company Franchises/Distributorships
We have particular experience in the area of retail gasoline station franchises and distributorships. We have represented numerous retail motor oil dealers in litigation and in the sale and purchase of gasoline service stations. The applicable laws and regulations in this area are very complex, including the Federal Petroleum Marketing Practices Act and state franchise laws. We are intimately familiar with these statutes and the related case law, and we can use this in-depth knowledge to help protect your investment.