Harper Meyer LLP’s Franchise Practice Group represents franchisors, franchisees, and investors across industries, guiding each through the opportunities and challenges of franchising in the real world. Franchising is one of the most powerful engines for business growth, yet it is also among the most regulated and relationship intensive areas of law. Our team advises on every stage of the franchise relationship, from structuring and negotiating deals to guiding compliance and resolving disputes, working closely with trusted intellectual property counsel on the brand matters that often sit at the center of these relationships.

For brand owners, we structure franchise programs from the ground up, drafting franchise agreements, preparing Franchise Disclosure Documents, managing compliance across the web of federal and state franchise laws, and continuing to advise as systems mature on franchisee relations, system-wide initiatives, supply chain arrangements, brand standards enforcement, transfers, defaults, and terminations. We also help U.S. franchisors expand overseas and guide foreign franchisors entering the U.S. market. On cross-border matters, we work together with our tax team to advise on tax structuring, treaty planning, and the repatriation of royalties, as well as other franchise-related income considerations.

For franchisees and investors, we evaluate opportunities, review Franchise Disclosure Documents, negotiate terms, and organize businesses for long-term success, whether the client is acquiring a first unit or building a multi-unit portfolio, advising on entity structuring, financing, lease negotiation, site selection, and operational compliance, and providing targeted franchise due diligence for private equity firms and other investors. In coordination with our tax practice, we structure operations with an eye toward tax efficiency, including cross-border planning for franchisees operating across jurisdictions.

When franchise disputes or controversies arise, our team is equipped to resolve them, whether by facilitating a quiet resolution, navigating a regulatory inquiry, or pursuing litigation or alternative dispute resolution when the situation demands it. With deep industry knowledge and a client-focused approach, our Franchise Practice Group is dedicated to delivering practical, effective solutions that help our clients build, grow, and protect successful franchise systems.