As a Minnesota franchise attorney, Aaron Hall is experienced in representing franchisors and franchisees with their franchise agreements, intellectual property issues, business contracts, ownership agreements, and general franchise law representation. For example, he represented a number of franchisees in franchise agreement disputes with large health club franchisors including Anytime Fitness, Snap Fitness, and Planet Fitness.
Minnesota Franchise Laws
Many states, such as Minnesota, have strict franchise laws. Minnesota has enacted a franchise statute called the Minnesota Franchise Act. Among other things, this statute requires franchisors to register in Minnesota. This franchise registration requirement is similar to such requirements in California, Hawaii, Illinois, New York, and Rhode Island.
When Should I Hire a Minnesota Franchise Lawyer?
In short, if you are planning to enter into a franchise agreement in Minnesota, you should hire a Minnesota franchise attorney.
- Most importantly, a Minnesota franchise lawyer will analyze the franchise agreement, explain its provisions to you, and suggest areas to be changed before you sign the agreement.
- A Minnesota franchise lawyer provides legal guidance and advice on whether to franchise or pursue other means of distribution and growth.
- A Minnesota franchise lawyer provides legal guidance and insight on growing your franchise or distribution systems domestically and internationally, and wherever opportunity may be present.
- A Minnesota franchise lawyer provides legal counsel on multi-unit ownership and co-branding of the franchise.
- A Minnesota franchise lawyer provides a variety of transactional, litigation, and alternative dispute resolution services of the franchise.
- A Minnesota franchise lawyer provides representation of area developers and representatives, sub-franchisors, multi-unit and single-unit franchisees, licensees, dealers, distributors, and independent franchisee associations in transactional, litigation and dispute resolution matters.
Watch Out for These Franchisor Tactics
Like any industry, some people are unscrupulous. Be cautious if a franchisor tries these approaches with you.
- The franchisor says that he won’t hold you to the franchise agreement that he wants you to sign.
- The franchisor says you don’t need to have an attorney analyze the franchise agreement.
- The franchisor doesn’t want you to talk with other franchisees.
Other Minnesota Franchise Attorney Services
A Minnesota franchise attorney provides advice and representation regarding a number of franchise law matters:
- Breach of Fiduciary Relationships between Franchisors and Franchisees
- Breach of Non-Compete Clauses
- Claims of Franchise Breach of Contract
- Claims of Franchise Breach of Duty of Good Faith and Fair Dealing
- Claims of Franchise Fraud
- Claims of Wrongful Termination
- Claims under Antitrust Laws and the Racketeering (RICO) statutes.
- Franchise Agreements: Drafting, Negotiation and Review
- Preparing Uniform Franchising Offering Circulars (UFOC)
- Tortious Interference with Business Relationships
- Trademark Infringement
- Trademark Protection
- Unfair Competition and Dilution
- Franchise Formation
Some content has been copied from the Federal Trade Commission’s Franchise Rule 16 C.F.R. Part 436 Compliance Guide
