FRANCHISE SERVICES

Everyone knows McDonalds. With its golden arches popping up in virtually every corner of the world, it is one of the largest and most successful franchise systems ever created. However, there are a lot of you striving for the same type of franchising success every day. According to findings in the second version of the Profile of Franchising study published by International Franchise Association Educational Foundation in cooperation with FRANdata Corp., in 2006, there were nearly 3,000 existing franchise brands which grew their franchise business by an average of 4 percent. In addition, more than 300 companies began franchising for the first time. According to another IFAEF study, franchising now exists in more than 70 industries and generates more than $1 trillion in U.S. sales annually. Is the next McDonalds far behind?

Franchisors must comply with federal disclosure rules as well as registration requirements in each state in which they desire to sell their franchises. Therefore any potential national franchise must utilize franchising attorneys who are not only familiar with federal law, but also those state laws that may impact where and in what manner a franchise desires to do business.

The franchise attorneys at Siebers Mohney are experienced in all aspects of franchising; from initial issues related to state and federal registration and disclosure, to ongoing issues such as contract drafting and review, litigation, and real estate leasing and acquisition, including the following:

• Creation and maintenance of franchise distribution systems
• Sale or acquisition of franchise and distribution systems
• Franchise registration
• Drafting and review of franchise disclosures and related contracts, including area developer agreements and franchisor agreements

For more information on the Franchise Services offered by Siebers Mohney please contact Andrew L. Rassi from our Franchise attorneys group. For answers to some frequently asked questions, please read our resources on Franchising and the legal requirements of and benefits to franchising your company.