What is franchise law?

Franchising has become one of the most prevalent business models companies have used to quickly expand the reach and development of their business/brand. It has many advantages as a business structure, both from the perspective of the Franchisor and the Franchisee.

How does it work?

Franchise lawyers are responsible for working directly with clients and on their behalf with franchise companies. The franchise lawyer’s role could include providing legal advice to clients, understand provincial and federal franchise laws, ensure that both parties comply with regulations and laws, prepare and maintain franchise agreements and much more.

From a Franchisor’s perspective, franchising allows a company to grow without the heavy financial commitment of a company that chooses to build up new locations themselves. It also leaves management duties to the individual franchisees, allowing the franchisor to focus on bigger picture issues like brand development and national/international expansion. From a Franchisee’s perspective, it’s a relatively lower risk investment, as the infrastructure, goodwill, and systems of the franchise are already in place, and all that’s left to the Franchisee is proper management.

That being said, the Franchise Agreement, which governs the Franchisor/Franchisee relationship, is an extremely complex legal document, the contents of which should be reviewed carefully to ensure legal rights are being protected.

In addition, both parties should be aware of the provincial legislation (see Franchises Act and Franchises Regulation (Alberta) and case law which heavily govern the relationship and conduct of the Franchisor and Franchisee.

Importance of an Experienced Franchise Lawyer

While venturing into a franchise might seem fairly straightforward, it’s not something even a seasoned business person should undertake without the assistance of a qualified franchise lawyer. You could be risking a lot of financial hardship without this critical guidance. Franchise contracts are not easy to read and decipher. With a lot of complex language and stipulations involved, it’s imperative you know exactly what you are getting into and what will be required to uphold your end of the contract. Without the legal services of a franchise lawyer, there could be disastrous results that impede your ability to run the business and be financially stable.

Franchise Business Lawyer Services We Offer

As a law firm practicing corporate and commercial law, our experience includes representing clients in all business matters, including franchise agreements. Our franchise lawyers can provide unique insight from our years of successful legal counsel involving contracts, business ventures, mergers, acquisitions, and more. Whether you’re the franchisor supplying the business model or the franchisee who wants to open and run a new location, we offer services that will help set you up for the most success. Our legal guidance includes:

  • Advising franchisors on corporate structuring, lease negotiation, and candidate selection
  • Advising clients on franchise acts and franchises regulation issues
  • Drafting and reviewing franchise disclosure agreements
  • Litigating contractual disputes
  • Construction franchise services

Franchising is made up of two different parties

Franchisor: The franchisor is the company that provides the business model to the franchisee.

Franchisee: The franchisee is the person who runs the franchise location and shares in the profits and liabilities

Services we provide

Whether your new to franchising or are in need of a new team of lawyers to ensure your franchise ventures go off without a hitch, Forum Law is here to help with the following services.

  • Advising Franchisors on Corporate Structuring, Lease Negotiation, and Candidate Selection

  • Drafting/Reviewing Franchise Agreements

  • Drafting/Reviewing Franchise Disclosure Documents

  • Advising clients on Franchises Act and Franchises Regulation issues

  • Litigating contractual disputes

Other Business Services Our Franchise Law Firm Offers

As a law firm practicing corporate and commercial law, our experience includes representing clients in all business matters, including franchise agreements. Our team can provide unique insight from our years of successful legal counsel involving contracts, business ventures, mergers, acquisitions, and more. Whether you’re the franchisor supplying the business model or the franchisee who wants to open and run a new location, we offer services that will help set you up for the most success. Our legal guidance includes:

  • Advising franchisors on corporate structuring, lease negotiation, and candidate selection
  • Advising clients on franchise acts and franchises regulation issues
  • Drafting and reviewing franchise disclosure agreements
  • Litigating contractual disputes
  • Construction franchise services

Our Franchise Litigation Lawyers Are Here for You

Franchising can be a highly profitable business opportunity for all parties involved. The key to initial success is finding the services of qualified franchise lawyers like the team at Forum Law in Edmonton, AB. We will work at your side to ensure you have a complete understanding of what getting involved in franchising means, enabling you to move forward with a clear mind that legal matters are taken care of responsibly. Before signing any papers or agreeing to any terms, contact Edmonton’s finest franchise lawyers for assistance today.