Navigating franchising and distribution arrangements requires strategic guidance rooted in industry experience. Dentons’ US Franchising and Distribution practice provides exactly that. Our team has been, and continues to be, at the forefront of significant, precedent-setting activities in franchise regulation, franchise litigation, counseling and related transactional matters. Benefit from our combination of in-depth legal proficiency and sophisticated marketplace knowledge.

Members of our practice regularly handle fundamental issues which arise in franchising. Confidently address litigation and litigation-avoidance strategies involving the enforcement of key franchise standards. Develop concepts and plans for new distribution and franchising arrangements, and modify existing franchise systems. From applying state franchise and dealer relationship statutes, to developing and negotiating franchising arrangements on an international basis, to acquiring or selling franchising companies, our team counsels you at every stage.

Our clients come from a wide range of industries—restaurants, fitness, retail, services, hospitality, entertainment, technology, automotive, petroleum, alternative energy and more. Whether you are a US company rolling out or managing a franchise system, or an international franchisor expanding into the US, we tailor our representation to meet your specific needs and goals. With a presence in 16 major markets throughout the US, Dentons represents you wherever you do business, responding to any domestic challenge with efficiency and agility.

Turn to Dentons for comprehensive guidance on the full spectrum of matters, including:

• Franchise and distribution structuring and formation
• Regulatory compliance
• Intellectual property protection and privacy
• Real estate
• Supply chain management
• Franchise relations
• Employment
• Mergers and acquisitions
• Tax
• Licensing
• Joint development
• Product marketing and sales
• Customer data management
• Antitrust and competition law
• Litigation and alternative dispute resolution techniques

Recognition

Dentons recognized by Best Lawyers in America in 200 categories

August 15, 2017

Dentons, the world's largest law firm, has been recognized by The Best Lawyers in America in 200 categories in the 2018 edition of the highly regarded publication. The ranking highlights 138 individual lawyers from Dentons, including nine who have been recognized for more than 25 years, 51 who have been listed for 10 years and 12 who were included for the first time.

Dentons secures 123 individual and 38 practice rankings in Chambers USA

May 26, 2017

Global law firm Dentons earned 123 individual and 38 practice rankings in the most recent edition of Chamber USA, a well-known annual legal directory that identifies the world's best lawyers and law firms based on in-depth, objective research.

Global franchising partners contribute to award-winning book

January 15, 2016

Dentons' global franchising team have contributed to 'The Franchise Book' (Aranzadi /Thomson Reuters), a newly published book providing a multidisciplinary study of franchising as a business model of the century, while offering the reader an account of the experiences of some of the most important franchises.

Insights

Franchise Alert: Assembly Bill 676 Significantly Alters California Franchise Law Going Forward

February 7, 2023

With a new year comes a new law. Fresh off of ushering in 2023, franchisors must now heed California Assembly Bill 676 (“AB 676”) which amends the California Franchise Relations Act (“CFRA”) and the California Franchise Investment Law (“CFIL”).

NASAA’s New Franchise Questionnaire and Acknowledgment Policy

December 7, 2022

Many franchisors in the U.S. include a series of acknowledgments within the franchise agreement and/or a franchisee questionnaire that can later serve as a disclaimer of liability in disputes related to alleged fraud or misrepresentations during the offer and sale of a franchise.

The impact of the coronavirus crisis on the franchise industry and what franchisors and franchisees can do to survive

March 31, 2020

Economic predictions suggest that the coronavirus crisis will cause a significant global recession.

News and Events

Recent Press Releases

Dentons recognized by Best Lawyers in America in 200 categories

August 15, 2017

Dentons, the world's largest law firm, has been recognized by The Best Lawyers in America in 200 categories in the 2018 edition of the highly regarded publication. The ranking highlights 138 individual lawyers from Dentons, including nine who have been recognized for more than 25 years, 51 who have been listed for 10 years and 12 who were included for the first time.

Dentons secures 123 individual and 38 practice rankings in Chambers USA

May 26, 2017

Global law firm Dentons earned 123 individual and 38 practice rankings in the most recent edition of Chamber USA, a well-known annual legal directory that identifies the world's best lawyers and law firms based on in-depth, objective research.