Industries
Franchising
Bush Ross has a comprehensive franchise practice area consisting of a number of attorneys that are well balanced and in tune with the franchise market and related issues having worked from both a franchisor and franchisee perspective. Our experience includes the transactional side in which we have prepared, revised and reviewed a wide array of documents and contracts including franchise disclosure documents, franchise agreements, area development agreements, leases, employment agreements and independent contractor agreements. We also have a wide range of experience representing franchise systems in litigation including as relating to disputes concerning the franchise documents, intellectual property issues, employment issues and real estate issues.
Our franchisor clients include regional leaders in the restaurant industry. Several Bush Ross attorneys have also served as regional counsel for some of the nation’s most well-known franchise brands, assisting those franchisors with franchisee relationships, disputes and litigation. Our franchisor representation includes helping businesses that are considering franchising determine whether franchising is the logical next step in their business growth. Once that decision is made, we have drafted the necessary franchise documents including the franchise disclosure document, the franchise agreement, the area development agreement and ancillary documents. Our attorneys understand the processes, procedures and infrastructure a franchisor must have in order to be successful and can work with your management team to get you there. Our franchise practice group includes attorneys adept at protecting your intellectual property assets to make sure that your system is prepared for the risks involved in franchising.
From a franchisee perspective, we have reviewed and evaluated some of the fastest growing systems in numerous industries including restaurant concepts, health and fitness concepts and real estate broker services. Our balanced approach helps you evaluate potential risks and focus your time and attention on those that can have the biggest impact on your franchise business. In addition, we can help ensure that your corporate structure conforms to the requirements of the franchise system while addressing your asset protection concerns. Our experience can help you as you learn what is market in a franchise relationship and what falls outside the normal scope in your industry.
Our attorneys are involved in numerous franchise industry groups including the American Bar Association’s Forum on Franchising, the International Franchise Association and the local chapter of the Women’s Franchise Network. A number of our attorneys have also served as speakers at various industry events.