Franchising is about opportunity, an evolutionary leap forward for your business. It represents a chance, done properly and strategically, to build upon your success, reach new customers, and prosper in untapped markets. Preti Flaherty has one of the largest and most respected Franchise Law practices in New England. Our practice is expansive in scope and ranges from large national franchises to emerging franchises in a variety of industries, from gas cards and business advisory services to engineering services, restaurants, and ice cream shops. The majority of our clients are franchisors, but we also represent multiple outlet and area development franchises on anti-trust, finance, employment, corporate, intellectual property, international, real estate, regulatory, tax, and related matters.
A Regional Reputation with a National Reach
Our Franchise Law attorneys assist clients with structuring their franchise system by preparing Franchise Disclosure Documents (FDDs) in compliance with applicable state, federal, and international disclosure requirements and registering them with the appropriate regulatory authorities. This process includes the creation of franchise, area development, area representative, and related agreements. We can advise clients on a variety of issues that may arise in the franchising process and beyond, including:
- Trademark availability, registering of trademarks, copywriting proprietary material, and methods of enforcement against infringement
- Brand positioning and protection
- Software protection, data privacy, and cybersecurity
- System expansion, under-reporting, and encroachment concerns
- Strategic growth opportunities, including mergers & acquisition
- Supply chain and workforce-related issues
- Real estate acquisition and property development
- Franchise dispute resolution, including mediation, arbitration, and litigation
Tim Bryant, chair of the Franchise Law practice group, is listed in Benchmark Litigation, Chambers USA, and Woodward-White's Best Lawyers in America for his work in the area of litigation and is a 2018 entry into the Franchise Times Legal Eagle “Hall of Fame” for his work in the area of franchise law. He has been a guest lecturer on the topic of franchise law at the University of New Hampshire School of Business and speaker at both the ABA Forum on Franchising and International Franchise Association’s Annual Legal Symposium. Tim’s innovative approach to franchise law is noted for his ability to find new, unexpected, and lucrative markets, outlets, and revenue streams for his clients.
Resonant Thinking for Strategic Growth
You hire a firm for a reason. You hire a firm because you want an attorney with skills commensurate to your immediate goals who is backed by the indispensable support of practice groups that can address your future needs, whatever they may be. Our Franchise attorneys draw on the collective power of Preti Flaherty’s vast complement of practice areas to counsel our clients. When necessary, we have experience in all franchise dispute resolution forums, including mediation, arbitration, and litigation. Our litigation attorneys are trial lawyers who tenaciously advocate for our clients until the desired result is achieved.
The decision to franchise your business is not an easy one. It takes a pioneering spirit. With that spirit comes opportunity, and with opportunity comes risk. We know the risks; we know how to anticipate them, prepare for them, and overcome them. We know because we share the same pioneering spirit you do.