Law offices of
Lisa A. Biase, P.C.
1139 Park Ave Hoboken, NJ 07030
Tel: 201.​798.6600
Fax: 201.​798.6601
admin@biaselaw.com
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FRANCHISE LAW

Franchise Law

The Law Offices of Lisa A. Biase, P.C. hold exceptional knowledge and experience in franchise law. Throughout her career, Lisa Biase represented both national brand franchisors and franchisees in various industries—from product-based businesses such as fast-food franchises to service-based franchises like real estate brokerages. Specifically, in her prior position as in-house counsel to Amerada Hess Corporation, Ms. Biase represented the Company as a franchisee with regard to its fast-food franchises in Hess' convenience stores, namely, Dunkin' Donuts®, Blimpie's®, Dairy Queen®, and Godfather's Pizza®, just to name a few. Later at Cendant Corporation, Ms. Biase handled all franchisor legal services for RCI and Coldwell Banker® and Coldwell Banker Commercial®, such as preparing and filing all regulatory documents, and advising on operations and marketing issues for the brands. With Ms. Biase having been on "both sides of the fence" in franchising, the Law Offices of Lisa A. Biase, P.C. has the expertise to provide you with superior representation whether you are a franchisor or franchisee, in a large or small franchise system, offering products or services to the public.

The Law Offices of Lisa A. Biase, P.C. serve franchisors and franchisees all across the United States.

For franchisors, it is particularly important to know that the franchise industry is highly regulated by federal and state governmental agencies. For example, the federal government and several states require that franchisors prepare and deliver a disclosure document to prospective franchisees when offering and selling a franchise (known as the Franchise Disclosure Document or "FDD"). In addition, some states require registration of your franchise before you are permitted to offer and sell franchises in their jurisdiction. Further, some states (and not necessarily the same ones that require registration) regulate the relationship between the franchisor and the franchisee, requiring the franchisor to have "good cause" to terminate a franchise or to not renew a franchise, among other things. Due to this high degree of government regulation it is necessary for franchisors to hire legal representation, such as the Law Offices of Lisa A. Biase, P.C., with the knowledge and experience to meet government requirements as cost-efficiently as possible.

In representing franchisors, the Law Offices of Lisa A. Biase, P.C. routinely performs the following services:

  • Preparation of Franchise Disclosure Document (also known as the "FDD") and all ancillary documentation including franchise agreements, operations manuals and brand guidelines
  • Submission of the FDD and all required documentation to those states requiring registration of the FDD before sales can be offered or completed in those jurisdictions (also known as the "Registration States")
  • Guidance on state relationship laws including whether termination or non-renewal of a franchise is permitted in your jurisdiction
  • Preparation of Area or Regional Development Agreements, Co-Branding Agreements, and other licensing arrangements
  • Guidance on international franchising/licensing in conjunction with counsel who practice in the foreign jurisdiction
  • Franchisor counseling including trademark and logo registrations, and specific advice for start-ups
  • Training of franchisor on legal requirements, and best practices for sales and operations
  • Franchise dispute resolution and litigation

Whether you are a franchisor in a large or small franchise system, call the Law Offices of Lisa A. Biase, P.C. to know and understand your rights and obligations, at (201) 798-6600, or contact the firm online at http://www.businessandfranchiselawyer.com, or https://www.biaselaw.com for a free telephone consultation.

For franchisees, purchasing a franchise can fulfill your dream of owning your own business, with the added benefit of being part of a nationally or regionally recognized brand that provides you with the skills and training to be successful. You may also grow your business by acquiring other units, often with the assistance of the franchisor. However, there are certain risks to your investment which require analysis of the FDD, the franchise agreement, and other ancillary documents. Before making any decisions, contact the Law Offices of Lisa A. Biase, P.C. to review the necessary franchise documents with regard to your particular industry, apprise you of your rights and obligations, and guide you in your business decision-making.

In representing franchisees, the Law Offices of Lisa A. Biase, P.C. routinely performs the following services:

  • Review and analysis of the FDD and ancillary documentation
  • Negotiation of the franchise agreement and any ancillary contracts
  • Franchisee counseling throughout the term of their agreements and renewals
  • Franchise dispute resolution and litigation

Whether you are a franchisee in a large or small franchise system, call the Law Offices of Lisa A. Biase, P.C. to know and understand your rights and obligations, at (201) 798-6600, or contact the firm online at http://www.businessandfranchiselawyer.com, or https://www.biaselaw.com for a free telephone consultation.