Advertising is a powerful tool for franchisees to attract customers and grow their businesses. However, every franchise owner has to understand and adhere to strict legal limits for self-promotion. Franchise operators must abide by their franchise agreements and regulatory standards whenever they advertise. Otherwise, they risk finding themselves in serious hot water. Know the franchise agreement The franchise agreement plays a key role in dictating what franchisees may do regarding publicity. Franchisees must follow these documents closely to avoid conflicts with the franchisor. Adhere to tra ..read more

Many factors, calculations and negotiations are likely to come into play before you finally sign the lease for a commercial property. However, there are also various complications that can make the process even more complex than anticipated. Understanding these complexities is necessary for anyone involved in buying or selling commercial properties. Environmental concerns One significant factor that can complicate a commercial real estate transaction is environmental issues. Contamination of the property’s soil or water can lead to costly cleanup efforts and legal liabilities. Conducting thoro ..read more

A breach of fiduciary duties in a partnership can lead to serious legal consequences and damage to the trust that partners place in one another. It is important to understand what these duties involve and how a breach can occur. Understanding fiduciary duties In a business partnership, each partner has fiduciary duties to the others. These duties include the duty of care and the duty of loyalty. The duty of care means partners must make decisions with the care an ordinarily prudent person would take in a similar position. The duty of loyalty requires partners to put the interests of the partne ..read more

Franchising can be an appealing business model for aspiring entrepreneurs. This path offers the lucrative opportunity to run a business with the support of an established brand. However, potential franchisees need to be aware of the potential pitfalls they might encounter. In particular, there are three common ways franchisors might try to maliciously take advantage of franchisees. Unfair fee structures Franchise agreements often come with a slew of fees that franchisees must pay to the franchisor. While some fees are reasonable and necessary for the operation of the franchise system, others m ..read more

Franchising can be an exciting way to start a business. Taking this path offers the opportunity to run your own enterprise while benefiting from the support and recognition of a larger brand. However, disputes between franchisees and franchisors can arise, putting the future of your business in jeopardy. You might even wonder if you can keep your business after experiencing a heated conflict with your franchisor. Understanding the dispute Disputes between franchisees and franchisors can stem from various issues, such as disagreements over royalties, marketing fees, territorial rights or breach ..read more

Intellectual property refers to creations of the mind. These include inventions, artistic works, names and images used in commerce. Protecting your IP is necessary for safeguarding your business’s innovations and creations. However, this often requires providing specific evidence to prove that another party is, in fact, stealing your intellectual property. Identifying signs of IP theft First, you must recognize the signs of intellectual property theft. If you notice another business using your company’s logos, brand names, products or proprietary information without permission, it could be an ..read more

Your business partner betraying you may feel like a heartbreak since they would have essentially violated the trust you placed in them. And betrayal can happen in different ways. You may discover your business partner is stealing from the company, sharing company secrets or not performing their duties. Your response to such issues is crucial. You don’t want to make moves that can negatively impact the business. If you experience such betrayal, consider the following steps: Talk to your business partner Before taking further steps, talk to your business partner to obtain more information about ..read more

Franchise transfers in Florida are significant events that require careful navigation of legal and business landscapes. Understanding the intricacies of transferring franchise rights is crucial for franchisees, whether they are considering selling their franchise or acquiring another.  Franchise agreements often contain specific provisions regarding the transfer of a franchise, including conditions, fees and approvals required. As such, Florida franchisees must be diligent in understanding these provisions to ensure a smooth transfer process.  Franchise agreements and Florida law In ..read more

Franchisors often hold “Discovery Day” events in person and online so that potential franchisees can get to know more about them – and vice-versa. While many potential franchisees are concerned with impressing a franchisor, it’s important to use this opportunity to ask necessary questions to determine whether it’s a good fit for you, your interests and skills and your business goals. An official with one restaurant franchisor says, “I always tell candidates that it’s important for them to feel comfortable with us and vice versa—because this is like (entering into) a 10-year marriage at the min ..read more

Risk is an unavoidable aspect of entrepreneurship, and all businesses have the potential to fail. However, since a franchise is a proven business model, many franchisees are easily misled into thinking that franchise businesses are somewhat immune to failure. Even though a franchise business can be an easy way to earn a good income, entrepreneurs require an effective franchise system for their business to function and earn profit. Without the right support and resources, a franchisee can fail as easily as any other entrepreneur. Lack of adequate research and due diligence Embarking on a franch ..read more