Greenberg Traurig, LLP

Greenberg Traurig’s Franchise & Distribution Practice draws on the deep transactional, regulatory, litigation, and intellectual property experience of its dedicated attorneys to advise regional, national, and international franchisors, franchisees, manufacturers and distributors in virtually every aspect of franchising and distribution. Our transactional team understands that every operation is unique and creates tailored franchise and distribution plans for clients specifically designed to meet their short- and long-term goals. Clients, ranging from individual entrepreneurs to internationally recognized public companies, rely on us to structure domestic and international franchise and distribution programs, prepare and file registration documents, counsel on compliance with federal and state relationship regulations, counsel on the implementation of system-wide marketing and other franchise programs, and address relationship problems that may arise. If an issue arises, our litigation team is skilled in effectively and efficiently representing franchise and distribution companies in litigation, arbitration, mediation, and other alternative dispute resolution procedures.

For clients seeking to grow worldwide, we not only help U.S.-based clients expand internationally, but also help foreign clients expand into the United States and other cross-border markets by working with GT's network of long-standing local counsel around the world. Whatever the scenario, transnational franchise and distribution relationships differ in important respects from domestic arrangements. We regularly counsel companies on the impact of laws in particular countries and have experience in structuring, negotiating, and documenting all types of arrangements used in international franchising, including master franchise and area development relationships, joint ventures, nontraditional venue franchises (such as military bases, airports, or train stations), area representative relationships, any combination of these arrangements, and other distribution relationships around the globe.

In addition to offering clients practical franchise and distribution-related legal advice, we draw upon our international platform of experienced Greenberg Traurig attorneys who focus on areas of law relevant to franchising and distribution, such as private equity, advertising, labor and employment, trademarks and copyrights, real estate, tax, finance, antitrust and trade regulation, government relations, litigation, corporate and securities, technology, and restructuring.