Introduction

Preti Flaherty has the largest franchise law practice in northern New England. Our practice is national and international in scope, and ranges from large national franchises to emerging franchises in a variety of industries, from gas cards and business advisory services to engineering services, restaurants and ice cream shops. The majority of our clients are franchisors, but we also represent multiple outlet and area development franchises on corporate, employment, finance, intellectual property, real estate, regulatory, tax and related matters.

Client Services

Our franchise law practice assists clients with structuring their franchise system by preparing Franchise Disclosure Documents to comply with applicable state, federal and international disclosure requirements and registering them with regulatory authorities. This process includes the creation of franchise, area development, area representative and related agreements. As well as advising clients on trademark availability, registering of trademarks, copywriting proprietary material, software protection, and methods of enforcement against infringement. In the event that it becomes necessary, our firm has experience in a variety of franchise dispute resolution forums, including mediation, arbitration, and litigation on behalf of franchisors and franchisees. Finally, we draw on our firm's general practice to counsel our franchise clients in a variety of other areas, including counseling on real estate, finance, tax employment, regulatory, legislative, anti-trust, business and international law, as the need arises from time to time.

Representative Clients

Aging Excellence, Amato's Sandwich Shops, Applegate Farm Ice Cream, Criterium Engineers, David J. Deschaine Installations, Fire + Ice Improvisational Grill, Lilly’s Gourmet Pasta, JungleQuest, Maine Auto Dealers Association, Pacific Pride, Padgett Business Services, Starlite Diners, The Works Bakery Cafe and Toddle Inn Child Care Centers.