Businesses often enter licensing, dealership, distributorship, or similar arrangements without realizing those relationships may be regulated as franchises. Manning Fulton helps clients evaluate whether an existing or proposed business model could unintentionally fall within the scope of federal or state franchise laws. Our attorneys assist with:

• Reviewing licensing, distributorship, and dealership arrangements
• Evaluating whether a business model may trigger franchise laws
• Identifying regulatory, disclosure, registration, and litigation risks
• Advising on state-specific franchise law requirements
• Helping businesses avoid improperly structured arrangements that may be deemed illegal franchises

Manning Fulton works with businesses to structure expansion models in a way that supports growth while managing franchise law risk. Our attorneys help clients understand the legal implications of different growth strategies and choose a path that aligns with their business goals. Our work includes matters involving:

• Licensing models
• Dealership arrangements
• Distributorship structures
• Brand expansion strategies
• Franchise law compliance planning
• Agreements designed to reduce unintended franchise risk

Our attorneys have extensive experience dealing with inadvertent franchises and helping them become compliant with the law. We have worked with systems large and small across a wide range of industries to facilitate the conversion to franchising. Our attorneys assist with:

• Transitioning from an inadvertent franchise model to a compliant franchise system
• Preparing required franchise documents
• Addressing disclosure and registration obligations
• Revising agreements and business practices
• Minimizing disruption during the conversion process
• Positioning the system for long-term growth

We leverage our relationships and experience with state regulation to help clients resolve these matters. As franchise laws vary by state, businesses need counsel that understands both federal requirements and the practical differences among state regulatory systems. Our franchise team helps clients navigate:

• State franchise registration requirements
• Disclosure obligations
• Communications with state regulators
• Compliance strategy for multi-state expansion
• Resolution of regulatory issues involving inadvertent franchises

Our franchise team is well equipped to help licensors navigate the transition to a compliant franchise system while minimizing disruption and positioning them for long-term growth. Once a business identifies or resolves inadvertent franchise issues, Manning Fulton can continue supporting the system as it grows and evolves. Our support includes:

• Franchise compliance guidance
• Franchise document updates
• System growth planning
• Franchise relationship issues
• Risk management for emerging franchise systems
• Practical guidance as the business expands into new markets