Franchising & Distribution

Representative Experience

• Preparation of franchise agreements and disclosure documents and management of franchise registration and exemption filings for clients, including experience in the following lines of business or industries:
  • Tire and automotive accessories retail outlets
  • Travel services
  • Snack food distribution
  • Child care centers
  • Industrial chemicals
  • Restaurants
  • Convenience stores
• Preparation and review of distribution and agency agreements for sales both inside and outside the U.S.
• Counseling on franchise and distributor terminations and realignments
• Counseling businesses on antitrust compliance to lower potential liability risks
• Acquisitions and sales of franchise businesses
• Responding to inquiries and investigations by state agencies

We also have experience representing franchisors and suppliers in litigation and arbitration. Representative services include:

• Representation of a manufacturer of material handling equipment in actions by dealers under New Jersey Franchise Practices Act, Illinois Franchise Disclosure Act, Tennessee equipment dealers statute and other state laws.
• Representation of a manufacturer of high-pressure laminates in action alleging wrongful termination of distributorship under Wisconsin Fair Dealership Law.
• Representation of a franchisor of automotive retail outlets in case alleging fraud and violation of the Ohio Deceptive Practices Act.
• Representation of a food equipment manufacturer in action alleging refusal to deal in violation of Section 1 of the Sherman Act.
• Representation of a manufacturer of engine additives for alleged violations of the California franchise relations act.
• Representation of a manufacturer of restaurant equipment in action by a sales agent alleging wrongful termination under Florida law.
• Representation of a manufacturer of pumps against claims arising from termination of a distributor under the Arizona Equipment Dealer Act.
• Representation of a franchisor of industrial chemical distribution services in case against a franchisee for trade secret misappropriation and related claims.
• Representation of a franchisor in a non-competition dispute with a franchisee in Georgia.