As the coronavirus spreads across the U.S., the federal and many state governments are providing relief to businesses by extending the deadlines on various filings. Among the areas receiving attention are state registration and filing deadlines for franchisors. Franchise Disclosure Documents (FDD) must be prepared and updated annually within 120 days after the franchisor’s fiscal […]
Businesses Face New ADA Claims Over Gift Cards
A new wave of litigation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is hitting business owners. For the last few years, businesses have faced lawsuits regarding the accessibility of their website to the visually impaired. Now, gift cards are have become a target as well. Beginning in October 2019, a number of suits were and […]
Should You Franchise Your Commercial Cleaning Business?
Commercial cleaning businesses are experiencing solid growth thanks to increases in construction and real estate investments. According to Allied Market Research, the commercial cleaning services market size is expected to grow at 5.8% globally by 2022. The commercial cleaning industry encompasses businesses offering office cleaning, window cleaning, floor cleaning, carpet and upholstery cleaning, and other […]
Franchising a Home Health Care Business
With 74 million baby boomers close to retiring or retired, it is not surprising that home health care is booming. This aging population is looking for alternatives to assisted living or nursing homes and the use of home health aides enable older adults to remain in their homes. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, […]
How Does the Revised Joint Employer Rule Affect Franchisors?
A revised rule addressing joint employer status under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) announced January 12, 2020 may offer some relief to franchisors. Under the FLSA, employers must comply with federal minimum wage and overtime laws. An employer is defined as “any person acting directly or indirectly in the interest of an employer in […]
Should You Franchise Your Restaurant?
Some of the best-known franchises are restaurants. McDonald’s, Subway, Domino’s, Wendy’s, Buffalo Wild Wings, and others have thousands of locations. If you have a popular restaurant, you may be thinking of expanding to multiple locations. While you can choose to take on the work yourself, open more restaurants, and hire managers to run them, you […]
What Ongoing Legal Compliance is Necessary for Your Franchise?
Your franchise has launched, and you are actively marketing and selling to franchisees in compliance with all applicable laws. There is no more need for legal advice or so you think. However, under federal and state franchise laws, there are ongoing registration and filing obligations. These include the following: Annual Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) Updates […]
Franchising Your Gym or Fitness Center
As we start the new year, many people are thinking about getting fit as their resolution for 2020. The health and fitness industry in the U.S. generates more than $30 billion in revenue and is growing every year. A big part of that revenue is driven by franchises. Entrepreneur’s 2019 Franchise List includes five fitness brands in […]
How Can You Ensure Compliance with Franchise Sales Laws?
Franchise sales laws are highly specific. It is essential to have the assistance of an experienced franchise attorney to help ensure compliance.