This webinar, featuring returning panelists, outlined changes and updates in negotiating between tenants and landlords given Covid-19-related business uncertainty and slowdowns. The panelists detailed the challenges being faced by both tenants, and landlords, and provided a step-by-step for action by tenants, and guidance on how and what to communicate to landlords. The panelists also discussed the opportunities on the other side of the pandemic crisis.

This webinar discussed IFA’s role in correcting the Qualified Improvement Property (QIP) provision via the recently passed CARES Act, as well as laid out the technical details of the QIP fix and effects for small businesses. Panelists both explained the requirements of what is QIP, as well as how to claim bonus depreciation.

Attorneys from Lathrop GPM outlined types of relevant business insurance that cover franchise businesses, as well as coverage issues that might come into play as businesses seek to claim against losses incurred by the COVID-19 pandemic. The panelists outlined the typical provisions of business insurance, as well as possible exclusions to coverage. The panelists underscored the need to make your claim, document losses, and seek qualified counsel on business insurance.

Attorneys from DLA Piper discussed key elements of Force Majeure clauses, claims of commercial impossibility, as well as the ins and outs of business interruption insurance. The panelists noted that Force Majeure clauses are highly dependent on specific contractual language, and urged all businesses to read and review carefully their contractual obligations related to Force Majeure. Additionally, the panelists recommended careful and thorough review of property and business insurance policies to determine whether losses due to damage or civil authority orders might be claimed in these circumstances.

Both the business operations and legal perspectives of franchising internationally were discussed in this webinar. Panelists discussed the current situation for franchise businesses in different countries as they confront COVID-19-related disruption, and its impact on different sectors. They also discussed the various ways that franchisors are providing support to licensees and franchisees, and provided specific cases of how businesses are responding, both internally and customer-facing. Finally, the panelists touched on government assistance programs available in different jurisdictions.

Franchisor members discussed the challenges and solutions their brands are encountering amid the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as financial relief options available to businesses in light of recent legislation. Panelists discussed the need for companies to establish and maintain a flow of accurate information and data from brands and government resources, including from state and CDC sources. The panelists also reviewed recent updates pertaining to rulemaking from the Department of Treasury on Paycheck Protection Program Loans (PPPL)