11/23/2009
New section seeking members
The Franchise Law Section of the Jacksonville Bar is a new section for attorneys with an interest in franchising, licensing, dealership, distributions and other forms of dual distribution.
Franchising is a vibrant sector of our economy.
According to a survey conducted for the International Franchise Association’s Educational Foundation, as of 2001, there were more than 767,483 franchise-related businesses, generating 9,797,117 jobs, meeting a $229.1 billion payroll, and producing $624.6 billion of output. The same survey found that franchised businesses in 2001 accounted for 7.4 percent of all private-sector jobs, 5.0 percent of all private sector payrolls, and 3.9 percent of all private sector output.
Once the domain of fast food restaurants, nearly every conceivable retail business or service has a franchise component today, including doctor’s offices, printers, dog care, marketing companies, assisted living services, learning centers, auto repair, dentist offices, window & door dealerships, medical labs, sign shops and the list goes on.
Even in this economy, franchising remains a viable option for both businesses and the individual. For a business, it is an economical method of brand expansion. A company can increase brand awareness, penetrate markets and increase revenues rapidly yet economically. For individuals, it is a way to tap into the entrepreneurial dream and control one’s own destiny.
In response to this rapid growth of franchising, federal and state regulations of the industry have kept an equal pace. Attorneys working with business seeking to expand via the franchise model assist clients in proper organization and documentation of their franchise system. Attorneys working with individuals seeking to purchase a franchise assist clients in advising and negotiating the terms of the complex franchise agreements.
Attorneys desiring to practice in this area require knowledge of burgeoning array of laws dealing with federal disclosure regulations, state disclosure/relationship/advertising regulations, state common law claims, state registration requirements, antitrust issues and trademark matters.
The Franchise Law Section aspires to be the preeminent local forum for the study and discussion of the legal aspects of franchising. Its aim is to (1) provide quality educational programs on the legal aspects of franchising; (2) stimulate discussion of the legal aspects of franchising; (3) enhance the general public’s awareness of that the fact that there is a group of attorneys who practice knowledgeably in the field of franchise law and (4) enhance the professional growth of and level of collegiality between Franchise members.
As a new section, the group is actively recruiting members. Whether you are an attorney actively practicing franchise law or one with just an interest in learning more about franchise law; you are encouraged to attend our meetings. We seek a cross section of members; including both in house and outside counsel for franchisors and franchisees, business litigators, business development attorneys, administrators and law students - anyone who has an interest in franchising issues or who desires to enhance their knowledge with respect to the franchising field generally.
The group meets every other month. The next section meeting is Dec. 2. Please contact Debra Hill at 346-0140 or debra@hillchevalier.com if you are interested in joining us. The group will offer CLE opportunities for its members throughout the year.
