Franchising & Distribution

/Overview

Hundreds of franchise systems across industries in more than 90 countries have engaged NP’s experienced team of franchise attorneys, seeking counsel on global expansion, brand development, licensing and distribution issues.

Recognized as a four-time “Law Firm of the Year”, our franchise attorneys are at the forefront of important conversations in the industry. We offer tailored counsel to address the specific needs and goals of our clients, providing insights on transactional matters, disclosure documents, franchise-related agreements, disputes between franchisors and franchisees, and more. Our experience in franchise and distribution law extends across various sectors, including food and beverage, hospitality, and retail, both domestically and internationally. Wherever you do business, or whatever stage in the process you’re in, our franchise attorneys can help.

/Representative experience

• Planet Fitness: Represent a U.S. franchisor and operator of fitness centers in matters relating to disclosures, registrations, and franchise agreements.
• Wayback Burgers: Represent the popular burger chain on a variety of franchise matters both domestically and internationally, including their franchise agreement, disclosure, and registration, and international matters in Asia, Europe, South Africa, and several other foreign countries.
• Leading food service brand: Represent a client with over 36,000 restaurants in more than 100 countries, on diversity, equity, and inclusion matters, and litigation risk analysis
• No. 1 quick-service restaurant franchise: Served as an expert witness in an international franchise arbitration.
• Medical cannabis franchisor: Assist client in developing a franchise retail model, which includes preparing franchise documents and securing franchise registration in five states where medical cannabis is legal.
• Specialty children’s apparel chain: Advised client on a variety of international matters, in China, South America, Eastern Europe, and Asia.
• Early education and child care centers: Represent the franchise of on domestic matters, including state registrations, litigation, and trademark and intellectual property issues.
• Wine purveyor: Represented a South African entity looking to expand its operations into the United States.
• Taiwanese-based franchise food service establishment: Advise on the drafting of their franchise disclosure document, corresponding unit franchise agreement, and registration across the U.S.

/Recognition

• Nixon Peabody has been named a Tier 1 National firm for Franchise Law and Trademark Law in the 2025 edition of Best Law Firms®.
• Ranked in the Chambers Global Guide 2025 for Franchising
• Ranked in Chambers USA for Franchising