Each year, we publish lots of articles for franchisees on our blog. We know that being a franchisee can be hard, and we want to make sure that those who need legal help are able to make informed decisions about their next steps. While some of our articles are relevant to a specific point in time, most are designed to serve as resources for years to come.  

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When you are going through the process of buying a franchise, it is critical to review the franchise agreement. Not only will the franchise agreement govern your relationship with your franchisor, but it will also dictate what happens if something goes wrong. Will you be required to use designated suppliers (even if you can find lower prices elsewhere)? What will you need to do in order to renew? Will you be required to arbitrate in the franchisor’s home state in the event of a dispute? Will you be liable for liquidated damages if the relationship ends prematurely?

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So, you’re thinking about buying a franchise in 2024. What do you need to know? Buying a franchise is a major investment with significant legal financial implications—so it is critical that you make an informed buying decision. Here are some key insights from franchise attorney Jeffrey M. Goldstein.

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For many franchisees, territorial protections are essential to their profitability. Facing competition from multiple businesses serving potential clients or customers both in person and remotely, franchisees need to know that they will not face additional competition from within their own brands.

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From stores that sell Halloween costumes to stores that sell winter holiday décor, we see lots of seasonal businesses pop up this time of year. Recently, we have seen a trend of businesses offering holiday decorating services as well. Many of these stores are franchised outlets. If you are interested in owning a holiday-centric business, is a seasonal franchise right for you? Here are 10 key considerations from franchise lawyer Jeffrey M. Goldstein.

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As a franchisee, facing a dispute with your franchisor can be a stressful and frustrating situation. But it is important not to lose your cool. You need to be careful to protect yourself—and while this means taking certain steps, it means avoiding several potentially costly mistakes as well.

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We write a lot about franchising on our blog. Over the years, we’ve covered topics ranging from what you need to know before buying a franchise to what you can expect during a dispute with your franchisor. But there’s one question that we’ve never answered directly.

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The Franchise Times recently published a list of its “Breakout Brands” in franchising. The list highlights a handful of concepts that are “[b]eginning their journey up the annual Franchise Times [Top 400] ranking” after they “turned in notable performances in 2022.” If you are thinking about buying a franchise, should you put a “breakout” concept on your list? Here are some key considerations from national franchise attorney Jeffrey M. Goldstein.

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Buying a franchise is a big deal. It is a major investment, and if you will be running the business, your franchise will soon consume your daily life. As a result, informed decision-making is critical. So, what do you need to know before you buy?

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When you get into a dispute with your franchisor, your legal rights are determined largely (though not entirely) by the terms of your franchise agreement. During a dispute, some franchise agreement terms are more important than others, and knowing which terms apply—and how they apply—is critical for making informed decisions. In this article, franchisee lawyer Jeffrey M. Goldstein discusses 10 key franchise agreement terms when facing a dispute with your franchisor.

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