Our Franchise Lawyers Support You with Disclosure Documents
Our franchise lawyers prepare and register Franchise Disclosure Documents (FDDs) for franchisors seeking to do business nationwide. For example, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) requires all franchisors to prepare a complex disclosure document, the Franchise Disclosure Document (previously known as the Uniform Franchise Offering Circular, or UFOC), and to give a copy of it to any prospective franchisee.
Within the FDD are 23 different categories of material information about the franchise, including:
- Number and location of existing outlets/stores/restaurants
- Required franchisee fees and other costs
- The obligations of the franchisee and franchisor under the terms of the franchise agreement
- Franchisor bankruptcy and litigation history
- Franchisor audited financial statements
- Franchisor earnings claims, if any
If you are a potential franchisee, an experienced franchise lawyer can help you understand the significance of the details in the FDD. On the other hand, if you are a franchisor in need of FDD drafting, review and registration state filings, our attorneys can make sure that your FDD complies with all of the FTC and state-specific requirements in the states in which you wish to operate.
Franchise Agreements
"Never fall in love with a deal." That's what our attorneys tell our clients. If it looks too good to be true, it probably is. Consequently, a franchise agreement rarely says what you think it does, so it is better to get to the heart of the details before it is too late. Unfortunately, most people entering a franchise agreement don't know that the terms are negotiable most of the time.
Franchise agreements, drafted by the franchisor, set the terms and conditions that will govern the franchisee's ownership and operation. As a result, our franchise lawyers assist prospective franchisees by drafting, negotiating, and reviewing franchise agreements and agreement terms, including:
- Advertising requirements
- Rights of first refusal
- Fees and "mandatory" costs
- Assignment provisions
- Termination and renewal
Franchise Marketing and Sales
During attorney Joel Rosen's 30+ years as a practicing franchise lawyer, he has seen franchises succeed and fail. So, he understands the reasons for both. For instance, federal and state advertising laws present franchisees and franchisors with another quagmire of legislation that they must understand and comply with to ensure long-term success. Attorney Rosen has successfully negotiated settlements for clients with the Federal Trade Commission and various state attorneys general when compliance issues have arisen.
Franchise Litigation
We have represented franchisors and franchisees in a wide variety of franchise disputes, including encroachment, breach of licensing agreements, performance and operational disputes, financial issues and other issues that arise under the terms of a franchise agreement.
Well-Versed In the Highly Regulated Franchise Environment
For over 13 years, Rosen served as in-house counsel to franchisors with various approaches and philosophies to franchising. As a result, his experience includes:
- Senior Corporate Counsel – AAMCO Transmissions (900 franchisees)
- Vice-President, Corporate Counsel, Secretary – NutriSystem (1800 locations in six countries)
These positions required broad knowledge of both franchise and business law matters, including marketing, sales, financing, litigation, employment, trademark, copyright, leases, licensing agreements, and compliance with state and federal regulations.
What an Experienced Franchise Lawyer Offers
For the past 30+ years, Rosen has served businesses and individuals throughout eastern Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware. So, as an experienced franchise lawyer, he has a firm understanding of the four essential components of franchising:
- Franchise agreements
- Franchise Disclosure Documents (FDDs)
- Operating Manuals
- Marketing and sales
He is also experienced in franchise litigation, representing both franchisees and franchisors.
Hire an Experienced Pennsylvania Franchise Lawyer
Whatever kind of business you have or plan on acquiring, we can put our years of franchise law experience to work in your favor. Contact us at 610-275-0700 for more information. As a full-service law firm, we can also support you with matters involving real estate, employment law, workers comp, and more.
