How To Deal with Franchise Encroachment
Mar 3, 2022 - Blog by Goldstein Law Firm |As a franchisee with a protected territory, you expect your franchisor to respect your territorial rights. After all, your franchisor granted them to you in the first place (unless you live in one of the limited numbers of states that provide statutory territorial protections to franchisees). But, what if it doesn’t? What if your franchisor encroaches on your protected territory? Franchise attorney Jeffrey M. Goldstein explains.
What Happens to Franchisees When Their Franchisor is Accused of Fraud?
Feb 28, 2022 - Blog by Goldstein Law Firm |According to the Franchise Times, the CEO of the company that owns Fatburger, Johnny Rockets, Twin Peaks, Fazoli’s and other restaurant chains is under investigation by the U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC) for securities fraud and other crimes. At present, the SEC’s investigation remains ongoing, and no charges have been filed. However, the publicity surrounding the investigation (which has also been reported by the Los Angeles Times and other media outlets) is almost certainly having a negative impact on the company’s brands. So, what does this mean for these brands’ franchisees? National franchise lawyer Jeffrey M. Goldstein explains.
FTC Sues Burgerim Alleging Franchise Fraud
Feb 25, 2022 - Blog by Goldstein Law Firm |As recently reported by the Franchise Times, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has filed a lawsuit against Burgerim alleging franchise fraud. According to the publication, the FTC is, “accusing the fast-food chain and its owner, Oren Loni, of enticing more than 1,500 people to purchase franchises ‘using false promises while withholding information required by its Franchise Rule.’” This is a notable development in the world of franchising, as franchise attorney Jeffrey M. Goldstein explains.
What Legal Information Should I Review Before Buying a Franchise?
Feb 23, 2022 - Blog by Goldstein Law Firm |There are lots of legal aspects to franchise ownership. As a franchisee, you don’t need to be an expert in franchise law, but you do need to make sure you are relying on the advice of an experienced franchise lawyer. Without an in-depth understanding of the FTC Franchise Rule, your state’s franchise laws (if any), the terms of your franchise agreement and the case law surrounding franchising, you can easily overlook issues that present major risks for your franchise.
Transitioning from Employee to Franchisee – Part 3: Buying a Franchise
Feb 18, 2022 - Blog by Goldstein Law Firm |You’ve decided to leave your job to buy a franchise. You’ve assessed your finances, you’ve decided on a particular franchise opportunity and now you are ready to buy. How do you move forward? Once you sign the franchise agreement, what can you expect as a franchisee? The franchisee lawyers at Goldstein Law Firm explain.
Transitioning from Employee to Franchisee – Part 2: Choosing a Franchise Opportunity
Feb 16, 2022 - Blog by Goldstein Law Firm |You are ready to make the transition from employee to franchisee, and you have determined that you have the financial wherewithal to move forward. Now the question is: Which franchise opportunity should you pursue? While many employees seek to buy into the brand they have served, as national franchisee lawyer Jeffrey M. Goldstein explains, employees should not default to this choice automatically.
Transitioning from Employee to Franchisee – Part 1: What’s Your First Step?
Feb 11, 2022 - Blog by Goldstein Law Firm |For many people, the desire to own a franchise stems from a desire to be their own boss. They’ve been an employee for years, perhaps decades, and they are ready to take control of an outlet of their own. If you are thinking about transitioning from employee to franchisee, what is your first step? National franchisee attorney Jeffrey M. Goldstein explains.
What Does a Franchise Lawyer Do?
Jan 31, 2022 - Blog by Goldstein Law Firm |You’re thinking about buying a franchise, and you’ve been told that you should consult with a franchise lawyer before you move forward. But, hiring a lawyer isn’t free (although you can get a free consultation), and you are wondering if it is worth the investment. So, what does a franchise lawyer do?
What Is the Most Important Information in an FDD?
Jan 28, 2022 - Blog by Goldstein Law Firm |When you are a candidate for a franchise opportunity, one of the first things the franchisor will do is provide you with a copy of its Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD). The FDD is an extremely important document, and it provides (or should provide) a wealth of important information about several key aspects of the franchise. But, as franchise attorneys, we know that many prospective franchisees are only interested in the highlights. So, what is the most important information in an FDD?
Has Omicron Put Your Franchise at Risk?
Jan 26, 2022 - Blog by Goldstein Law Firm |It’s 2022, and this was supposed to be the year that things got back to normal. But, the omicron variant is once again causing COVID cases to spike across the country, and many businesses are struggling as a result. If your franchise is struggling due to the economic impacts of the pandemic, what are your options? What are your legal rights? Franchisee attorney Jeffrey M. Goldstein explains.