Franchise Attorney

The Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) is one of the most important legal documents in any franchise system. Required under federal law, the FDD provides prospective franchisees with critical information about the franchise opportunity, including fees, obligations, litigation history, financial information, and other material disclosures.

For franchisors, we prepare and update FDDs that comply with applicable federal and state franchise laws. We work closely with business owners to ensure disclosures accurately reflect operations while minimizing legal risk.

For franchisees, we conduct thorough reviews of FDDs to identify potential concerns, explain contractual obligations, and help clients make informed investment decisions before signing an agreement.

The franchise agreement establishes the legal relationship between a franchisor and franchisee. These agreements often address territory rights, royalty payments, operational requirements, intellectual property usage, renewal rights, transfers, and termination provisions.

We assist franchisors with drafting comprehensive franchise agreements that support brand consistency and business growth. We also represent franchisees in reviewing and negotiating agreements to secure more favorable terms and better understand their rights and responsibilities.

Creating a successful franchise system requires more than simply replicating a business model. Franchisors must establish a legally compliant framework that supports scalability while protecting valuable business assets.

Our attorneys assist clients with franchise development, business formation, trademark protection, operational structuring, and expansion planning. We help franchisors build legally sound systems designed for sustainable growth and long-term success.

Franchise businesses must comply with federal disclosure requirements and, in some states, additional registration and filing obligations. Maintaining compliance is essential to reducing liability and avoiding regulatory issues.

We advise franchisors on franchise compliance matters, including FDD preparation, annual updates, disclosure requirements, registration filings, and regulatory best practices. We also help franchisees understand their legal rights and obligations under applicable franchise laws.

Disputes can arise at any stage of the franchise relationship. Common issues include breach of contract, franchise termination, territorial disputes, royalty disputes, non-compete agreements, misrepresentation claims, and intellectual property conflicts.

Our attorneys represent franchisors and franchisees in negotiations, mediation, arbitration, and litigation. We focus on protecting our clients’ business interests while pursuing practical and cost-effective resolutions whenever possible.

Purchasing or selling a franchise involves significant legal and financial considerations. Buyers should carefully review disclosure documents, assess contractual obligations, and conduct due diligence before investing. Sellers must comply with transfer requirements and franchise agreement restrictions.

We guide clients through every stage of the franchise process. 

While federal law governs franchise disclosures nationwide, franchise laws vary significantly by state. Understanding these differences is critical for both franchisors and franchisees.

New York is a franchise registration state and imposes additional requirements beyond federal franchise regulations.

Before offering or selling franchises in New York, franchisors generally must register their Franchise Disclosure Document with the New York Attorney General’s Investor Protection Bureau. Franchisors must also maintain annual renewals and update filings when material changes occur.

In addition to registration requirements, New York franchise laws prohibit fraudulent and deceptive practices in franchise sales and provide protections for franchisees throughout the disclosure process.

Romano Law assists franchisors with franchise registration, FDD compliance, annual renewals, amendments, and ongoing regulatory obligations. We also represent franchisees evaluating franchise opportunities and addressing franchise-related disputes throughout New York.

Texas is not a franchise registration state. Unlike New York, franchisors generally are not required to register their Franchise Disclosure Document with a state agency before offering or selling franchises.

However, franchisors operating in Texas must still comply with the Federal Trade Commission’s Franchise Rule and provide prospective franchisees with all required disclosures within the applicable deadlines.

Franchise disputes in Texas commonly involve contract interpretation, business tort claims, territorial disputes, franchise termination issues, and allegations of fraud or misrepresentation.

Romano Law advises franchisors and franchisees throughout Texas on franchise agreements, franchise compliance, business expansion, franchise purchases and sales, and dispute resolution.