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Franchising is one of the most important sources of economic growth in Canada and around the world. In fact, franchised businesses claim 40% of every retail dollar spent in Canada while across the border in the United States, a new franchise opens every eight minutes of every business day.

Dedicated Expertise

Cassels Brock has one of Canada's largest and most sophisticated franchise law teams, able to expertly guide clients through the growing and ever-evolving world of franchise law. Our dedicated team is recognized both domestically and internationally, offering extensive practical experience in all facets of franchising from assisting local start-ups to working with some of the world's biggest brands on their international expansion strategies.

Recognized Leaders

Our franchise lawyers are recognized as leaders in their field. Partner Larry Weinberg was named the one and only and 2015 worldwide Lawyer of the Year for franchise law by UK-based Who's Who Legal and we have multiple practitioners deemed Legal Eagles by Franchise Times. a US publication. Moreover, our team is acclaimed by such authorities as Chambers Global: The World s Leading Lawyers for Business (which states that the firm has a strong reputation for work between the US and Canadian markets ); The Best Lawyers in Canada; International Who s Who in Franchise Law and the Canadian Franchise Association. The Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory lists Cassels Brock as one of only two Most Frequently Recommended major full service firms in the area of franchise law.

Comprehensive Capabilities

Our clients represent a broad spectrum of businesses, from traditional business format franchises to those using non-traditional methods of distributing their goods and services. Our advice includes:

• Set-up of franchise systems locally, nationally and internationally
• Negotiation, drafting and updating of franchise agreements, including single and multi-unit franchise agreements
• Franchise disclosure law compliance
• Purchase and sale of individual franchised units or complete franchise systems
• Multi-unit expansion, including master franchising, area development and area representative agreements, including joint ventures
• Strategic advice regarding franchise associations
• National and international expansion strategies, development and document preparation
• Accidental franchise avoidance

• Dispute resolution and litigation
• Class action defence
• Dealing with franchise default and termination

Integrated Services

As part of a full-service firm, our team is supported by colleagues in complementary practice areas, ensuring nimble and seamless navigation of all franchise business issues, including:

• Private equity and public financing, including securities law
• Information technology including internet and privacy law issues
• Protection and licensing of trademarks and other intellectual property rights
• Corporate tax strategies and personal tax planning
• Competition law issues
• Real estate and commercial leasing
• Human resources issues including employment and independent contractor arrangements
• Bankruptcy, receiverships and business reorganization
• Construction law

a roadmap to franchising in canada