Manning Fulton represents emerging franchisors in developing their initial Franchise Disclosure Documents and franchise agreements. Our attorneys also help established systems maintain and update those documents as the franchise system changes and the legal landscape evolves. Our work includes matters involving:

• Preparing Franchise Disclosure Documents
• Preparing franchise agreements
• Updating FDDs to reflect system changes
  
• Maintaining FDDs for ongoing compliance
• Preparing related franchise documents
• Advising on disclosure obligations and franchise document strategy

Franchise registration requirements vary by state, and navigating those requirements can be a significant part of launching and expanding a franchise system. Manning Fulton assists franchisors in obtaining and maintaining their state franchise registrations. Our attorneys assist with:

• State franchise registration filings
• Franchise registration renewals
• Compliance with state franchise regulations
• Communications with state regulators
• Registration strategy for multi-state expansion
• Ongoing compliance as the system grows

Business opportunity laws may apply to your franchise system in one or more states, including in Franchise Non-Registration States. Those laws may require additional registrations, compliance, disclosures, or exemption filings. We encourage clients to discuss with Manning Fulton franchise attorneys how business opportunity laws may apply to their franchise sales and expansion strategy. Our attorneys help clients evaluate:

• Business opportunity law requirements
• State-specific registrations or exemption filings
• Disclosure obligations outside traditional franchise registration states
• Compliance risks in Franchise Non-Registration States
• Franchise sales and expansion strategies affected by business opportunity laws

Business opportunity laws may apply to your franchise system in one or more states, including in Franchise Non-Registration States. Those laws may require additional registrations, compliance, disclosures, or exemption filings. We encourage you to discuss with Manning Fulton franchise attorneys how business opportunity laws may apply to your franchise sales and expansion strategy.

Manning Fulton advises franchisors on the legal and business issues that arise as franchise systems grow. Our attorneys help clients develop programs, policies, and documents designed to support expansion while protecting the brand and maintaining compliance. Our work includes matters involving:

• Developing area developer programs
• Developing master franchise programs
• Acquiring franchise systems
• Acquiring franchised units
• Refranchising franchisor-owned locations
• Preparing franchise transfer documentation
• Preparing and negotiating supplier arrangements

A franchise system needs clear policies and consistent operational standards. Manning Fulton advises franchisors and executive management on the development of franchise system policies and compliance practices. Our attorneys assist with:

• Conducting franchise compliance audits
• Developing site selection policies
• Developing internet and social networking policies
  
• Developing franchisee audit procedures
  
• Reviewing franchise operation manuals for legal pitfalls
• Advising executive management on franchise system policies
• Supporting ongoing compliance and risk management

Franchise systems depend on brand identity, technology, and intellectual property. Manning Fulton helps franchisors protect these assets and structure agreements that support their use within the franchise system. Our attorneys assist with:

• Technology licensing agreements
• Trademark registrations
• Intellectual property protection
• Brand protection strategy
• Agreements involving franchise system technology or intellectual property

Manning Fulton helps franchisors address compliance concerns, franchise terminations, and issues involving non-compliant or inadvertent franchisors. Our lawyers are experienced in dealing with state regulators to help bring non-compliant and inadvertent franchisors into compliance. Our work includes:

• Franchise terminations
• Services for non-compliant franchisors
• Services for inadvertent franchisors
  
• Resolving franchise compliance issues
• Working with state regulators
• Helping franchisors return to compliance while minimizing disruption