Franchising

Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt represents companies of all sizes, and our attorneys have a growing practice and considerable experience in assisting emerging companies in a wide range of industries, from high-technology and life sciences to manufacturing, franchising, distribution and retail.

Client Services

• Structuring and documenting franchise and distribution programs, including agreements and collateral documents
• Advising companies on structuring distribution relationships that avoid regulation under state and federal franchise disclosure and business opportunity laws
• Preparing disclosure documents, state registration of franchise offers, and counseling on compliance with all elements of disclosure regulation and franchisee recruitment
• Restructuring existing franchise and distribution relationships
• Franchise conversion and "combination" or "co-branding" relationships
• Franchise and dealership terminations and transfers and counseling on compliance with federal and state relationship regulation
• Addressing relationship problems and advising on ways to enhance franchise and distribution relationships
• Representing franchise and distribution companies in litigation, arbitration, mediation, and other alternative dispute resolution techniques
• Advising franchising and distribution companies with respect to the impact of developments in technology and communication on their franchise and distribution relationships, including electronic commerce issues
• Structuring advertising funds and developing advertising programs and materials
• Developing supply programs for franchisees and distributors, such as buying cooperatives owned by franchisees and distributors
• Expansion into foreign countries through master franchising, area development relationships, joint ventures, and other structures
• Advising buyers of area development and master franchises, joint ventures and negotiating related agreements
• Advising companies that provide materials and supplies to franchise networks