Franchise & Distribution Systems
Each business has unique challenges and objectives regarding the distribution of its products and services in the marketplace. The team of talented lawyers in our Franchise & Distribution Systems practice group counsel clients on the structure and choice of the preferred distribution system as well as with ongoing legal compliance and day to day operational issues.
With extensive experience and expertise in all aspects of franchising, licensing and distribution, the lawyers in Riezman Berger’s Franchise and Distribution Systems team provide guidance to our clients on the optimum method of distribution to achieve their goals. We provide counsel to startup franchisors as well as to established national and international franchise systems. We also represent franchisees in the review and negotiation of franchise and development agreements as well as with day to day legal matters. In addition, Riezman Berger is a leader in counseling business cooperatives, which is another viable distribution system. Our attorneys drafted the Missouri Cooperative statute, one of the most flexible statutes in the country, which was signed into law in 2011.
Riezman Berger provides the full spectrum of legal services in the Franchise and Distribution Systems area, including:
- Counsel on structural issues for a distribution system
- Preparation and registration of franchise disclosure documents
- Drafting and negotiation of franchise agreements and accompanying agreements
- Preparation and negotiation of franchise development agreements
- Structuring, drafting and negotiation of license agreements
- Preparation and negotiation of distributor agreements
- Drafting and negotiation of supplier agreements
- Cooperative formation and preparation and negotiation of cooperative bylaws and member agreements
- Compliance with federal and state franchise laws
- Compliance with business opportunity laws
- Counsel on termination, non-renewal and transfer issues
- Counsel on implementation of system wide changes
- Trademark, trade dress and copyright law
- Advertising Compliance issues
- Operations Manuals
- Day to day operational matters
- Litigation and dispute resolution
CONTACT
Robert D. Jacobs
314.727.0101
Christine M. Mace
314.727.0101