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…
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…
New Franchise Policies that Impact Franchise Questionnaires are in effect as of January 1, 2023
On January 1, 2023, a new policy went into effect that will apply to franchisors that use franchise questionnaires as part of their franchise sales process. The North American Securities Administrators Association (“NASAA”) policy places limitations on the FDD questionnaire. In addition, a California franchise law went into effect on January 1, 2023, related to the FDD questionnaire, and…
Did you know that your fiscal year can affect your franchise sales?
Check out our latest franchise question to find out why: https://drummlaw.com/blog/franchise-question/choosing-a-fiscal-year-end-for-your-franchise-company/