Franchisor & Franchisee Dispute Attorneys in Philadelphia

Fighting for Pennsylvania & New Jersey Business Owners Since 2005

Franchise contracts can be one-sided. Many of the standard provisions in such agreements tilt in favor of the franchisor. It is not surprising that franchise disputes often arise, particularly when conditions set forth in the marketing materials and contract do not meet expectations.

Most franchisor-franchisee disputes revolve around the true value of a franchise. If you made a significant investment in a franchise expecting a certain level of return, not receiving that return naturally raises concerns.

At Weisberg Law, we can help you answer questions involving issues such as:

• Did the franchisor fail to disclose material information about the franchise?
• Did the franchisor misrepresent information that impacted your operation?
• Did the franchisor promise assistance with marketing, training, advertising, or other operational assistance, but failed to follow through?

Weisberg Law is one of only a few law firms in the area that focuses on representing franchisees in litigation matters. As a veteran trial attorney and skilled negotiator, Matthew Weisberg can help you protect your rights under state and federal franchise law by thoroughly analyzing your contract for potential issues or discrepancies.

Call us today at (610) 550-8042 or contact Weisberg Law online for more information and to schedule your free initial consultation with a franchisor and franchisee dispute attorney in Philadelphia.

Common Franchisor & Franchisee Disputes

Common dispute may include:

• Breach of Contract: One of the most common disputes between franchisors and franchisees is a breach of contract. This can involve either party failing to fulfill their obligations as stipulated in the franchise agreement. For franchisees, this might mean not adhering to operational standards or failing to make required payments. For franchisors, breaches can include not providing the necessary support or infringing on territorial exclusivity agreements.
• Misrepresentation and Fraud: Misrepresentation or fraud can occur if either party provides false information during the franchise agreement negotiations. Franchisees may claim that franchisors misrepresented the potential profitability or the level of support they would provide. Conversely, franchisors may allege that franchisees provided inaccurate financial information or overstated their qualifications.
• Intellectual Property Issues: Disputes often arise over the use of intellectual property, including trademarks, trade secrets, and proprietary systems. Franchisees must adhere to specific guidelines on using the franchisor’s brand and operating methods. Unauthorized use or modification of these assets can lead to serious legal conflicts.
• Territorial Encroachment: Territorial encroachment occurs when a franchisor allows another franchise to open within the exclusive territory of an existing franchisee, potentially cannibalizing their market share. This can be a significant breach of contract and lead to disputes over lost revenue and business opportunities.
• Termination and Renewal Disputes: Franchise agreements typically have specific terms regarding termination and renewal. Disputes can arise if a franchisor attempts to terminate an agreement without just cause or refuses to renew a franchise agreement despite the franchisee meeting all renewal criteria. Similarly, franchisees might challenge a termination they believe is unjust or premature.
• Fee and Royalty Disagreements: Franchise agreements often include various fees and royalties that franchisees must pay to the franchisor. Disagreements over these payments, including disputes about what is owed and when, are common. Franchisees may feel that fees are excessive or not justified by the level of support and services provided by the franchisor.
• Compliance with System Standards: Franchisees are typically required to adhere to the franchisor’s system standards, including operational procedures, quality controls, and marketing practices. Non-compliance can lead to disputes, especially if franchisees believe that the standards are unreasonable or not uniformly enforced.

How Our Franchisor & Franchisee Dispute Attorney Can Help You

We can help you by:

• Experienced Legal Advice: We provide skilled legal advice tailored to the specific needs of franchisors and franchisees. We thoroughly analyze your situation, reviewing all relevant documents and agreements to identify potential legal issues and develop a robust strategy for resolution.
• Mediation and Negotiation: We excel in mediation and negotiation, aiming to resolve disputes amicably and efficiently. We facilitate constructive dialogue between parties, helping them reach mutually beneficial agreements without the need for lengthy litigation. This approach not only saves time and resources but also helps preserve the business relationship.
• Litigation Representation: When disputes cannot be resolved through mediation or negotiation, we are prepared to represent you in court. We build strong cases, leveraging our extensive knowledge of franchise law to advocate effectively on your behalf. Our goal is to achieve the best possible outcome for our clients, whether you are a franchisor seeking to enforce your contractual rights or a franchisee defending against unjust claims.
• Contract Review and Drafting: Prevention is often the best strategy. Weisberg Law assists in drafting and reviewing franchise agreements to ensure they are clear, comprehensive, and fair. By addressing potential issues upfront, we help minimize the risk of future disputes. We also provide guidance on compliance with federal and state franchise regulations, further protecting your business interests.
• Ongoing Legal Support: The business landscape is constantly evolving, and so are the challenges faced by franchisors and franchisees. We offer ongoing legal support to help you navigate these changes. Whether it’s updating franchise agreements, advising on regulatory compliance, or providing counsel on new business opportunities, we are here to support your long-term success.

Leveling the Playing Field for Franchisees

Our fee structure allows franchisees to have the same high-quality legal representation as franchisors, who often have a much larger budget to spend on legal disputes. Fortunately, you do not have to sacrifice quality to afford outstanding and aggressive representation by a lawyer who focuses on franchisee rights.

Our franchisor and franchisee dispute attorneys in Philadelphia charge nothing for an initial consultation to learn about your situation and explain how we may be able to help. We also promptly respond to all inquiries.

Contact us online or call (610) 550-8042 to speak with our Philadelphia franchisor & franchisee dispute lawyers!