Franchise Agreements

If you are thinking of granting or entering into a business franchise you will need to take legal advice on a number of important issues including:

• Whether the franchisor is or should become a member of the British and Franchise Association. The impact of a Franchise Agreement as a result.
• How is the franchisee to benefit from the copyright, trademarks and other intellectual property rights that belong to the franchisor?
• What is the term of the Franchise Agreement and how can it be brought to an end by either party?
• What is the financial structure to the Franchise Agreement. What is the cost of entering into the Agreement and what are the financial benefits to the franchisee and how are they to be paid?
• What financial commitments and resources are to be applied by the franchisor and the franchisee during the agreement?
• What training and support is to be given by the franchisor?
• What area is the franchisee allowed to operate in?
• Will the franchisee have an exclusive right to operate in such an area?
• What is to happen to the franchisees business when the franchise comes to an end?
• How is it to be renewed?

These amongst many other questions need to be addressed before either party should go ahead. Hewetts have considerable experience in advising both franchisors and franchisees in entering into such Agreements. Hewetts are able to offer a fixed fee service in advising franchisees in entering into such Agreements. Please contact: Tim Butcher on 0118 9559610 or email him at: t.butcher@hewetts.co.uk.