Eh to Zee: U.S. vs. Canadian FDD Requirements
Canadian franchisors considering expansion into the U.S. market must understand the major differences between Canadian and U.S. Franchise Disclosure Documents (FDDs). There are key areas of contrast which are vital for ensuring compliance and fostering successful franchise operations across borders. Overview of FDDs FDDs are designed to provide potential franchisees with essential information…
The Corporate Transparency Act (Cta) – What You Need To Know
WHAT is the Corporate Transparency Act? The CTA is a new law that is meant to help the government guard against money laundering, terrorism financing, and other types of illegal financing. The CTA authorizes the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCen) to collect information and disclose it to governmental authorities and financial institutions. The CTA requires the reporting “beneficial…
Competition is Fierce: FTC’s New Rule Banning Non-Compete Agreements
On April 23, 2024, the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”)approved a new rule (“Rule”) banning most non-compete clauses as an “unfair method of competition.” The Rule is set to take effect on September 4, 2024. Franchisors should know the ramifications of the Rule. Luckily, you have us! Here’s the skinny: Overview The Rule does not prohibit non-compete agreements between franchisors and…
Navigating the Impact of NLRB’s Latest Joint-Employer Rule on Franchisors
The New Rule The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) issued a groundbreaking joint-employer rule on Oct. 26, 2023. This rule, slated to redefine joint-employer relationships, carries substantial implications for franchisors. The new rule, effective February 26, 2024, changes the definition of a joint employer. Previously, joint employer status was established when an entity had direct and…
Unraveling Averages and Medians for your Item 19 Financial Performance Representation
Cracking the code of your Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) may feel a bit like you’ve been thrust into a high-school math test. But fear not! We’re here to turn those numbers from daunting to doable. When a franchisor has a large number of franchised units, the use of averages may be the best way to show financial information in your Item 19 financial performance representation.…
Best Practices for Renewing a Franchisee’s Franchise Agreement
Every franchise agreement has an expiration date. Accordingly, franchisors need to know how to properly handle franchise renewals and accompanying successor agreements. Although a franchisee’s right to renew is usually subject to them meeting certain requirements, there is a legitimate litigation risk from franchisees who are not renewed against their wishes. The good news – your friends here at…
The FDD Receipt Page: Why the Last Page in the FDD Matters a Lot
The receipt page is the last page of the FDD and serves as the prospective franchisee's acknowledgement of having received the document. Once signed, it provides evidence that the franchisor has fulfilled its obligation of providing the FDD in accordance with the law. The receipt page is a simple note at the end that the franchisee signs to say, "Yep, I got this book and I've read it." It's…
Growing Your Brand: Multi-Unit Franchises
When you're planning to grow your brand, the Area Development model (or Multi-Unit model) is a strategic path for rapid growth. Why Multi-Unit Franchising? An area developer (or multi-unit franchise owner) is a single person or group runs several outlets of your brand in a certain area. Multi-unit franchising can help your brand grow fast. It lets you cover larger areas quickly, giving your…
Put Your Best Mark Forward: Why It’s Smart to File A Word Trademark First
As a business owner, protecting your company’s intellectual property is of paramount importance. Trademarking your names and logos can go a long way in safeguarding your brand identity. In a perfect world, we would all have the resources to immediately file applications for each and every brand-identifying element right at the launch of any business venture. Unfortunately, we live in the…
Little Symbols, Big Difference
If you’ve ever browsed the aisles of a grocery store, chances are you’ve passed by a few dozen registered trademark symbols without even noticing. Look around right now, wherever you are. Is there a can of Coca-Cola sitting on your end table? A bottle of Advil there on your desk? Are you drinking water from a Nalgene water bottle? Any of these items will bear the subtle but familiar ® denoting a…