Franchising is a profitable, well-tested and integrated business model in the Canadian economy. With franchise systems in Canada growing exponentially in recent years, franchisors need a team of legal professionals that are active in the industry and who fully understand the unique aspects of their businesses. Whether you are establishing or expanding a franchise system in Canada or abroad, Dentons can provide you with the legal counsel you need—at a transactional level and also if the need for litigation arises. Dentons will work with you through all stages of establishing a successful franchise business—from company creation and registration, to obtaining and protecting intellectual property, to dispute resolution.

Benefit from our solid track record of representing local, national and international franchise systems of all sizes, including many of the most important American systems with locations worldwide. In addition to a specialized skill set in franchise law, your team of Dentons lawyers also has vast experience in franchise-related areas such as corporate, commercial, real estate, employment, intellectual property, mergers and acquisitions, tax and competition law.

An effective partnership is critical to your success. As you establish and expand your franchise locally, nationally or globally, leverage our experience in all aspects of franchising and related distribution models across a broad spectrum of industry sectors, including: restaurant, fitness, retail, services, hospitality, entertainment, technology and automotive.

Dentons is where you are. With lawyers in all of Canada’s key business centers and memberships in Canadian, American and International Franchising Associations, Dentons is poised to partner with you to build your business no matter where you are located in the country.

Insights

Litigation and Dispute Resolution 2024 Outlook

February 13, 2024

Global financial instability, high inflation, central bank rate hikes and geopolitical uncertainties have significantly impacted the Canadian legal landscape, giving rise to new industry trends and a noticeable increase in litigation cases filed across the country.

Key tips for new franchisors

February 23, 2023

EU: In our recent franchise workshop for new franchisors, we focused on the key considerations applicable to a new franchise business. To succeed in franchising, each of these initial subjects requires careful analysis from multiple angles before setting off on your franchise expansion journey.

Franchising and COVID-19: Looking back and moving forward

November 25, 2020

Dentons’ Franchising and Distribution group hosted an engaging conversation with business leaders about the future of franchising. The panel of legal and industry professionals reflected on what businesses experienced in 2020 and what it means for your agreements, space, people and customers moving forward.

View all insights for Franchising and Distribution in Canada

News and Events

Recent Press Releases

Dentons recognized in The Best Lawyers in Canada 2025

August 29, 2024

Dentons Canada is pleased to announce that 249 lawyers have been recognized in the 2025 editions of The Best Lawyers in Canada and Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Canada, a 42% year-over-year increase in the Firm’s rankings.

Chambers Canada 2024 rankings demonstrate Dentons’ continued growth and depth of talent across all areas

September 28, 2023

We are pleased to share that Dentons has achieved a record number of rankings in Chambers Canada: Canada’s Leading Lawyers for Business 2024.

Dentons named best law firm for franchise law

March 2, 2023

Dentons, the world’s largest global law firm, was named “Best Franchise Law Firm” at the Global Franchise Awards 2023 organized by Global Franchise magazine. The award recognizes Dentons’ position as a leading global legal adviser on all aspects of international franchising.