Franchise Law Richmond

Richmond Franchise Law

Franchise Law is becoming increasingly popular as more people are choosing franchising as the way to go into business for themselves. Prospective franchisees can choose from several thousand successful franchised business concepts. Franchising can also be an appropriate way for the owners of a proven business model to expand into new markets. This model allows growth without incurring all of the substantial capital costs and risks associated with expanding via company-owned operations and with company employees. Franchising can thus offer both the franchisee and the franchisor a way to minimize the risks associated with business ownership, while preserving the substantial economic incentives inherent in business ownership.

MG Law has a thriving Franchise Law practice. Our lawyers regularly counsel and advise prospective franchisees about the unique legal issues presented by franchised business opportunities. We review franchise disclosure documents and agreements and make sure the prospective franchisee understands its obligations under these documents. The experience gained from reviewing and analyzing many different franchise system agreements enables MG Law’s Franchise Law attorneys to efficiently spot issues in these agreements and suggest appropriate modifications.

In addition, the law can impose significant limitations or restrictions on a franchisor’s conduct that may not be apparent from the face of the franchise agreement. We make sure that prospective franchisees understand their rights and obligations both under the franchise agreement and the law. We can also help select and form an appropriate business entity, such as a limited liability company, for the franchisee’s business. Other legal work that may be necessary for us to perform would be reviewing leases, and reviewing or creating legal documents, such as employment agreements.

MG Law also assists business owners considering franchising to expand their operations. Additionally, we can serve as counsel to established franchised businesses.

Occasionally, disputes or disagreements arise involving franchised businesses. MG Law’s litigators have extensive experience counseling clients and, where necessary, litigating disputes involving franchises. Typical examples of such matters are franchise termination actions, legal actions concerning non-compete covenants, the misuse of intellectual property, and issues concerning proprietary or confidential business information.

Additional Resources:

Thinking About Owning Your Own Business? Some Considerations about Buying an Existing Business Versus a Start-Up

Thinking About Owning Your Own Business? Some Considerations about Franchises

Non-compete Clauses: They’re not just for Employment