Franchise Litigation
Franchise Litigators in Raleigh, Durham, and the Greater Triangle Area
Manning Fulton has one of the largest franchise practices in the Carolinas, giving our litigation team unique insight into the disputes that arise within franchise systems and vast experience solving complex problems. We represent franchisors in state courts and federal courts, handling everything from early-stage disagreements to high-stakes, “bet the company” litigation. We also advise franchisees facing challenges with their franchise business
Franchise disputes carry unique risks because they affect not just a single contract, but an entire business relationship and brand. Our attorneys help clients frame the dispute, investigate claims and defenses, and build a strategy suited to their goals, engaging as early as possible to give clients the strongest position. When the dispute requires litigation, our attorneys respond with rigorous, skilled and efficient advocacy. Our work includes:
- Defending “bet the company” franchise litigation
- Trademark and trade dress disputes
- Restrictive covenant enforcement and defense
- Termination, rescission, and renewal disputes
- Royalty and fee disputes
- Non-disclosure and confidentiality claims
- Fraud and unfair and deceptive trade practices claims
- Drafting franchise agreements designed to prevent disputes before they arise
- Pre-litigation resolution strategies, including negotiation and settlement
- Arbitration and litigation when a resolution cannot be reached out of court
Partner with Manning Fulton
Whether you’re a franchisor protecting your brand or a franchisee protecting your business, Manning Fulton’s franchise litigation team has the depth of experience to guide you through disputes at every stage, from early strategy to trial. Contact us as early as possible to put our team to work on your behalf.
Who We Serve
We represent both sides of the franchise relationship:
Franchisors
Franchisors seeking to protect their brand, systems, and territories.
Franchisees
Franchisees protecting their business, operations, and ability to earn a living.
Clients in Franchise Disputes
Clients involved in franchise disputes across industries and jurisdictions, both in North Carolina and nationally.
Related Professionals
Accolades
Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America
Eight Manning Fulton attorneys were recognized in the 2027 edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America.
2027
Recognized attorneys
- Matthew Muntean - Business Organizations; Corporate Law; Mergers and Acquisitions Law
- J. Patrick Bailey, Jr. - Real Estate Law
- Angela C. Baldwin - Corporate Law; Mergers and Acquisitions Law; Trusts and Estates
- Cecilia Barreca - Business Organizations
- Chris N. Bobby - Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law; Corporate Law; Mergers and Acquisitions Law; Tax Law
- Lawrence D. Graham - Appellate Practice; Commercial Litigation; Real Estate Litigation
- Corinne E. O’Reilly - Business Organizations
- B. Zack Taylor, Jr. - Real Estate Law
Lexology Index: Franchise Law 2026
Four Manning Fulton attorneys were named Global Leaders in Franchise Law in the 2026 Lexology Index - Franchising.
2026
Recognized attorneys:
- Ritchie W. Taylor
- Judson Welborn
- Natalie Rice
- Mike Medford
Business North Carolina “Legal Elite”
Fifteen Manning Fulton attorneys were recognized in Business North Carolina’s 2026 “Legal Elite,” with three additional attorneys named “Legal Elite Young Guns.”
2026
Legal Elite
- Mike T. Medford - Antitrust & Complex Business Disputes
- William C. Smith - Bankruptcy
- Judson A. Welborn - Construction
- Jennifer L. Weaver - Corporate Law
- Thomas I. Lyon - Corporate Law
- William B. Gwyn - Corporate Law
- William S. Cherry - Employment
- Jessica B. Vickers - Litigation
- Alison R. Cayton - Real Estate Law
- Douglas J. Short - Real Estate Law
- Joseph B. Bass - Real Estate Law
- Jessica Elliott - Real Estate Law
- B. Zachary Taylor - Real Estate Law
- Sandra M. Clark - Tax & Estate Planning
- Steve T. Byrd - Tax & Estate Planning
- Chris Bobby
- Lawrence D. Graham
- Matthew P. Muntean
North Carolina Super Lawyers
Twenty-three Manning Fulton attorneys were recognized by Super Lawyers in 2026, including 17 Super Lawyers and 6 Rising Stars.
2026
Super Lawyers
- Joseph B. Bass - Real Estate
- Stephen T. Byrd - Estate & Probate
- Alison R. Cayton - Real Estate
- William S. Cherry III - Business Litigation
- Sandra Martin Clark - Estate & Probate
- William B. Gwyn Jr. - Business/Corporate
- Deborah L. Hildebran-Bachofen - Estate & Probate
- Thomas I. Lyon - Mergers & Acquisitions
- Barry D. Mann - Real Estate
- Michael T. Medford - Business Litigation
- Kevin A. Prakke - Securities & Corporate Finance
- Douglas J. Short - Real Estate
- William C. Smith, Jr. - Civil Litigation Defense
- Ritchie W. Taylor - Franchise/Dealership
- Jessica B. Vickers - Business Litigation
- Jennifer L. Weaver - Business/Corporate
- Judson A. Welborn - Business Litigation
- J. Patrick Bailey - Real Estate
- Angela C. Baldwin - Estate & Probate
- Chris N. Bobby - Business/Corporate
- Lawrence Graham, Jr. - Civil Litigation Defense
- Matthew P. Muntean - Business/Corporate
- B. Zachary Taylor - Real Estate
Franchise Times "Legal Eagle"
Ritchie W. Taylor was recognized in Franchise Times’ 2025 “Legal Eagles” list for his work in franchise law.
2025
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