The FTC administers the federal franchise sales law, which requires all franchisors engaged in franchise sales in the United States to deliver a franchise disclosure document (FDD) to their prospective franchise buyers unless...more
The U.S. Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) latest policy statement aims to dictate the outcome of contract negotiations between franchisors and their franchisees and to limit the potential negative impact on franchisees of...more
On April 23, 2034, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued a final rule intended to ban the use and enforcement of most non-compete clauses signed by workers. The new rule is not in effect yet. It will become...more
Are you a small business owner who has considered franchising your business? Franchising can be a great way to expand your company's physical presence, grow your revenue, and increase your brand recognition....more
Drive down almost any busy street, and you'll see numerous examples of well-known franchises, from McDonald's to Ace Hardware. You may have considered opening a franchise and wondered about the potential rewards and...more
Historically, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has shied away from regulating the substance of franchisor-franchisee relationships. A recent FTC press release, however, suggests this may soon change. If so, it is by no...more
In the last year, we reviewed three attacks on franchising, questioned whether franchising was in the crosshairs of federal regulators and legislators, and concluded that the answer was yes....more
Earlier this year, we questioned whether franchising was in the crosshairs of federal regulators and legislators. It appears that the answer may be a resounding yes....more
The Feds may be targeting franchising. In September 2020, Rohit Chopra, one of the five commissioners on the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), declared on Twitter that “[franchise] regulators must stop unfair, deceptive,...more
For the first time in over a decade, the Federal Trade Commission is considering changes to its Franchise Rule. The Rule represents an effort by the Commission to prevent unfair and deceptive practices by franchisors against...more
As competition intensifies and auto manufacturers and distributors look for new ways to realize value from their brands, they and their counsel would do well to familiarize themselves with the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC)...more
The Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) has requested public comments on its Trade Regulation Rule entitled “Disclosure Requirements and Prohibitions Concerning Franchising” (the “Rule”). The Rule makes it an unfair or deceptive...more
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) seeks public comment regarding its Trade Regulation Rule entitled, “Disclosure Requirements and Prohibitions Concerning Franchising” (the “Rule”)....more
Hot dog franchisor, Charlie Graingers, was unable to obtain dismissal of a federal lawsuit brought by franchisees alleging fraud, misrepresentation and breach of fiduciary duty....more
Almost every year at the IFA Annual Legal Symposium in Washington D.C., a panel of distinguished franchise attorneys and state regulators will discuss best practices in drafting a franchise disclosure document in compliance...more
Purchasing a franchise opportunity has become a popular means of pursuing a new business venture. The idea of joining an established group and utilizing a recognized brand can offer an added level of comfort when going into...more
Please join us for Franchise Disclosure Compliance: The Nuts & Bolts a webinar highlighting many of the “must do” or “must consider” matters for compliance with franchise disclosure legislation in U.S. ...more
Financial Performance Representations (“FPR’s), or earnings claims, have been an integral part of franchise sales process well before the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) began its supervision of the franchise model. The...more
Almost everyone recognizes the nation's most prominent franchises: McDonald's, Domino's, Hilton or 7-Eleven, to name a few. And business people are becoming aware that arrangements that look like franchises, but are...more