LeClairRyan’s Franchise Industry Team includes several of the nation’s highest rated attorneys; attorneys with a wealth of experience resolving the wide array of issues that arise in the franchise and distribution industry today. We have gained insight into the particular needs of franchisors and franchisees as well as a unique understanding of the relationship between these two constituents. We not only have experience in the nuances of franchise disclosure, registration and relationship laws, we also have an experienced group of litigators who deal with all types of franchise and distribution issues in federal and state courts and in arbitration. Moreover, by drawing on LeClairRyan’s capabilities to help with financing, intellectual property, tax, real estate, corporate, bankruptcy, labor and employment, and many other issues, we can resolve whatever business problems arise for our clients – from structuring their franchise or distribution programs, to enforcing their agreements and creating innovative financing and operational solutions.
In representing our clients, we develop a thorough understanding of their businesses and take the legal steps necessary to help them achieve their business goals. We offer our clients guidance and advice in all aspects of launching a franchise system, from considering alternative methods of growing their businesses to registering and maintaining franchise systems. We prepare and analyze Franchise Disclosure Documents (FDDs), franchise agreements and other legal documents necessary for franchising, and we advise clients on franchise relationship and termination issues. We work closely with our clients through every step of the franchising process, explaining the legal requirements involved and assisting them in the preparation of the necessary legal documentation. We register and renew franchise systems throughout the United States. We also assist our clients with issues involving program development, regulatory compliance, trademark registration, and intellectual property. In addition to working with franchisors and franchisees, we also work with dealers and distributors on industry-specific laws and regulations that might affect their businesses including providing guidance on all matters involving the manufacture, licensing, taxation, labeling, advertising, marketing, distribution, and sale of wine, beer, and spirits, as well as non-alcoholic beverages. We assist clients in new product development, distribution strategies, and product recall, and we help them navigate the complexities of international, federal, and state licensing applications and transfers.
Our Franchise Industry Team attorneys have experience in all areas of dispute resolution concerning franchise and distribution businesses. Our attorneys provide pre-litigation counseling, arbitration and mediation services and our nationwide footprint allows us to efficiently litigate in all state and federal courts. We have represented clients in almost every conceivable type of dispute including claims related to compliance with system standards, termination, transfers, renewals, and violations of franchise disclosure and relationship laws, disputes involving trademark infringement, preliminary and permanent injunctions, extraordinary and provisional remedies, anti-trust, breach of contract, underreporting, collections, encroachment, and vicarious liability. Our attorneys are skilled in solving distressed franchise and bankruptcy matters and, in addition to dealing with straightforward franchise financings, they have provided representation in debt restructuring, reorganization, and bankruptcy issues in bankruptcy courts across the United States. With many years of collective experience and access to a broad array of support resources, we have what it takes to provide effective legal solutions for our clients’ franchise and distribution businesses.