Successful businesses build their future by developing a network for aggressive product and service distribution—the kind that captures profitable market share and grows a solid customer base. Manning Fulton lawyers know how to create franchise and distribution networks that strengthen our clients’ global reach. Our lawyers also represent franchisees to help them build their business and protect their investment.
For nearly fifty years, Manning Fulton has helped clients manage their vital interests in an increasingly complex environment. Franchisor and supplier relationships are subject to complex and far-reaching state and federal laws and government regulations governing franchise relationships. State laws are often contradictory and federal law on antitrust and pricing can trap the unwary. Single and multi-unit franchisees must integrate with existing franchise systems while complying with these laws and regulations. Manning Fulton lawyers understand these issues from all sides. We know how to get deals done and help franchise businesses thrive.
Our franchise attorneys have been recognized for their expertise. Our franchise team includes the only North Carolina lawyer to be designated a Certified Franchise Executive by the Institute of Certified Franchise Executives and the founding Chair of the North Carolina Bar Association Business Law Section Committee on Franchising.
When we counsel franchisor and supplier clients, we help them:
- Determine effective ways to distribute products and services domestically and internationally
- Determine whether the proposed distribution system is exempted under federal and state franchise and business opportunity laws
- Prepare franchise agreements, distribution agreements, Uniform Franchise Offering Circulars, and obtain regulartory approval from federal, state and international regulators.
- Obtain trademark protection for the distribution system’s trademarks
- Understand day-to-day legal issues that arise in the operation of a franchise/distribution system
- Comply with franchise/business opportunity advertising regulations
- Acquire or sell existing franchise systems
- Resolve disputes with franchisees and distributors
- Secure debt and equity financing for growth
- Buy and sell retail, warehouse and office real estate.
When we counsel our franchisee client, we help them:
- Review and negotiate terms of franchise agreements
- Expand their businesses in the US and internationally by acquiring new franchise rights or purchasing existing franchise locations
- Secure necessary financing to grow the franchise
- Handle franchise real estate issues
- Structure tax-efficient business operations
- Resolve disputes with franchisers and suppliers
- Deal with employment law issues.
Manning Fulton’s lawyers maintain their broad knowledge in franchising and distribution law through their membership and participation in both the International Franchise Association and the American Bar Association Forum on Franchising. This technical knowledge combined with our practical experience assists us in representing clients in every stage of creating, maintaining and operating a successful franchise structure.
Our franchise and distribution clients trust Manning Fulton to help protect their franchise business investments. Our lawyers are committed to these clients, using all the resources at our command to keep their futures secure.
Franchise Industry Contact Lawyer: Ritchie W. Taylor
