Services for Franchisees

Einbinder & Dunn counsels franchisee clients in transactional matters as well as dispute resolution. The firm's Unique Perspective and Experienced Approach stems from its extensive history representing both franchisors as well as franchisees, allowing it to foresee issues and offer more all-encompassing solutions that bring both short and long-term benefits.

The firm assists franchisee clients in all matters relating to:

• The purchase of the franchise from the franchisor (or an existing franchisee), including advice on proper due diligence.
• Business formation, (beginning with the creation and structuring of the franchisee entity, and including the drafting of shareholder or partnership agreements and the LLC operating agreement as appropriate).
• Review of disclosure documents and franchise agreements.
• Negotiations with franchisors (including the negotiation of renewals of existing franchise agreements).
• Real estate, including the review and negotiation of purchase agreements and leases and resolution of environmental and building code issues.
• Third party agreements, including independent contractor, supplier, employment, confidentiality and non-compete agreements.

Franchise Litigation & Alternative Dispute Resolution

Einbinder & Dunn represents franchisees nationwide in disputes with franchisors in state and federal courts and as well in arbitration and mediation venues. On behalf of these clients, the firm has brought affirmative claims concerning such matters as franchisor earnings misrepresentations, misappropriation of advertising and rebate funds, and breaches of franchise agreements. The firm regularly represents franchisee clients in disputes relating to non-compete agreements, confidentiality of trade secrets, continued use of proprietary marks, and other post-termination matters. It also defends franchisee clients against claims of violating systems standards, failure to remodel/refurbish, and trademark infringement/unfair competition. In addition, the firm has, when appropriate, counterclaimed on behalf of franchisee clients alleging illegal discrimination and inequitable treatment of franchisees in violation of federal civil rights protection statutes.

Franchisee Associations
The ability of franchisees to negotiate issues with their franchisors is often crucial to the franchisees' success. Einbinder & Dunn has extensive experience in the formation of such franchisee associations for clients seeking to level the playing field otherwise tilted in the franchisor’s favor. The firm also represents these franchisee associations in system-wide negotiations and dispute resolution with franchisors.

Einbinder & Dunn is committed to providing the most cost-effective legal representation to its clients. The firm’s partners and staff of experienced associates and paralegals apply a hands-on approach to each matter, offering clients the individual attention that larger firms cannot. With the experience gained from representing both franchisees and franchisors, our attorneys are responsive and creative, working in each client's best interest to achieve superior results.

For questions or additional information about the firm's services, please contact Einbinder & Dunn by clicking here to fill out a contact form, or by calling 212-391-9500 to speak with one of the firm partners.

Other Franchise Practice Area sections:

• Einbinder & Dunn's Franchise Practice
• Services for Franchisors
• FAQs for Franchisors
• FTC Rule
• Can Your Business Be Franchised?
• Comprehensive Franchise Review
• Services for Franchisees
• FAQs for Franchisees
• Franchisee Associations & Franchisee Groups
• Representative Franchise Systems
• Common Franchise Disputes
• Franchise Articles and Media
• Franchise News/Case Notes
• Useful Links and Resources
• Franchise Lawyer Blog