Franchising | USA

DLA Piper is a leading firm offering a very deep bench of experienced attorneys capable of handling the full gamut of complex franchising litigation and transactional matters. It represents a wide variety of clients including some of the largest franchisors in the USA, private equity firms and a number of startups. The firm has a strong international presence complementing work with foreign companies franchising into the US. It offers unmatched expertise in termination-related disputes and litigation involving allegations of violations of state disclosure and relationship laws.

Baker McKenzie offers a broad base of franchising expertise, with a recognized focus on high profile transactional work. It has extensive experience advising franchisors on how best to format and expand their businesses. A varied client list includes several giants in the hospitality, retail and restaurant industries. It is highly regarded as a leading firm for international franchising, both for US franchises expanding abroad and for foreign franchises seeking to expand into the US.

Greenberg Traurig has a strong franchise and distribution practice with expertise in both domestic and international transactions and regulatory compliance work. It represents a number of large franchises in the full range of transactional and litigation needs. The firm also possesses particular expertise in matters arising from issues concerning IP and labor and employment. It is able to provide clients with regular counsel on the nuances and the impact of changes in local law in various international jurisdictions.

Lathrop is a strong firm with notable expertise in dispute resolution, franchising M&A and international franchising. It offers a deep bench of attorneys covering a broad base of transactional advisory work and representation of clients in franchise litigation and arbitration. The firm has significant expertise in assisting franchisors to explore expansion options and address government regulations, employment issues and intellectual property matters. It is additionally noted for providing franchising clients with tax advice.

BCLP advises clients on a broad range of sophisticated and complex franchising matters. It offers domestic and international capability in both franchise transactional matters and litigation, with notable expertise in acquisitions, class actions and general financing and regulatory work. The firm is noted for particular expertise in countries such as France, Germany, the UK and China. It is regularly called upon by major franchisors in the construction, automotive and hospitality industries.

Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath has a domestic and international franchising practice providing the full range of transactional and litigation services to a wide variety of clients from the hospitality, restaurant and food service and retail industries. It also offers expertise to franchisors in the healthcare space, as well as assisting startup and emerging franchisors to launch, grow and establish their businesses. The firm has a deep bench of partners with expertise in non-US jurisdictions including in South America, Asia and the Middle East.

Foley & Lardner is recognized for its focus on nontraditional franchise work, representing a number of auto dealership clients, among others. It offers expertise in franchising advisory work, disputes and competition issues. The firm has significant expertise in the drafting of franchise disclosure documents and registration, as well as offering guidance on state regulatory processes for franchisors. It is expert in securing financing for production processes and purchases for franchisees, dealers and distributors.

Haynes and Boone is respected firm in the market, offering counsel and representation to a broad range of international and domestic clients. It has a strong bench of lawyers providing notable expertise and experience in franchising litigation, arbitration and alternative dispute resolution. It is particularly well versed in helping businesses with international expansion and distribution. The firm is recognized for expertise in representing clients from the food, drink, hospitality, retail and travel sectors.

Greensfelder, Hemker & Gale provides counsel to franchisors from a range of industries on a variety of franchising issues, including day-to-day operations, vicarious liability and franchisee relationships. It offers significant expertise on both domestic and international franchise-related transactional matters including M&A. The firm also provides expertise in litigation and alternative dispute resolution. It provides representation to oil companies on matters such as compliance with gift card laws and opening convenience stores on gasoline station premises.

Venable has a robust team that represents franchisors in a variety of fields, including hotels, restaurants, convenience stores, retail, automotive and personal services. The firm has a team of attorneys who have hands-on experience with operating problems of franchise companies, as well as deep expertise in registration and regulatory law.

Established firm with notable expertise in franchise litigation. Wiggin and Dana represents clients from a variety of industries, including several of the USA's largest quick service restaurant franchises. Clients are also drawn from the retail, automotive and hospitality sectors.

Akerman's franchise team provides expertise in state and federal regulatory compliance, developing new franchise units, arranging terminations and acquisitions. The full service law firm acts for franchisors and multi-franchise units in the restaurant, retail, private equity industries amongst others. The team can draft and negotiate master franchise agreements, license agreements and franchise disclosure documents as well as handle litigation with franchisees.

Davis Wright Tremaine is a robust team handling complex franchisor and franchisee issues. It is well placed to provide strategic advice on brand development and expansion within the US and globally. The firm is particularly adept at representing those in the restaurant and food and beverage industries.

Fox Rothschild is a strong group of attorneys specialising in transactional matters on behalf of franchisors. It has significant expertise in drafting franchise disclosure documents and franchise agreements, as well as serving as outside counsel to a range of clients. The firm is equipped to handle domestic and international franchise issues.

Nixon Peabody represents franchisors and distribution companies through the full process of franchising, with expertise in M&A, franchise documentation and high-stakes dispute resolution. The firm offers a strong bench of attorneys experienced in international and domestic franchising matters. It counsels on transfers, terminations, renewals and franchisee association issues. Nixon acts for a large roster of clients drawn from the restaurant, retail and financial industries among others.

Polsinelli is able to assist with a range of litigious issues facing franchised businesses including breaches of contract, termination disputes and arbitrations. The firm has a strong practice advising clients on corporate and transactional issues involving IP rights, contract drafting and international brand expansion. It is particularly well regarded for its representation of restaurant and foodservice clients.