What is a franchise?

A franchise is a contractual arrangement, where:

• The franchisor allows the franchisee to use a name which is associated with the franchisor.
• The franchisor exercises continuing control over the franchisee.
• The franchisor provides assistance to the franchisee.
• The franchisee periodically has to make payments to the franchisor.

McDonald's, The Body Shop and Wimpy are all examples of very successful franchises. According to the NatWest/British Franchise Association 2010 survey, in the UK the franchising turnover in 2009 was £11.8 billion. Over 465,000 jobs were attributable to franchising and approximately 842 active business format franchising systems were in existence with a total of over 34,800 franchised units.

A franchise agreement is a complex suite of legal documents, including a master development agreement, a franchise purchase agreement, a trademark licence, an operations manual. Typically, rights in respect of trademarks or logos and know-how are licensed to the franchisee for use in connection with the distribution of the franchised goods or services. Licences of intellectual property rights in franchise agreements are covered by the vertical agreements block exemption, in so far as they do not constitute the primary object of the agreement and are directly related to the use, sale or resale of the franchised goods or services.

At Anassutzi & Co we can support any type of franchise agreements. We can truly give you the best option and direction for each case, having only your company’s best interests at heart, at very competitive prices!

Here are some examples of how we helped other businesses:

Case 1: Drafting, negotiating and finalising a franchise agreement, together with trademark licences and related documents, including handbooks for a food company.

Case 2: Creating franchise agreements templates.

Case 3: Advising a multinational franchisor on a number of issues including termination of franchisees and payment of outstanding monies.

For more information on how we can help you call us now or email us!

Anassutzi & Co offers solutions putting law into your business context and offers high quality expertise for fixed fees www.anassutzi.com