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Franchise Fees vs. Royalties: Understanding the Cost Structure
The upfront franchise fee is usually the most visible number in a franchise opportunity — but it's often the smallest ongoing cost over the life of the agreement. Understanding the full fee structure is essential to accurately evaluating whether a franchise investment...
Non-Compete Clauses in Franchise Agreements
A non-compete clause in a franchise agreement can restrict what a franchisee is allowed to do — during the franchise relationship, and often for years after it ends. Understanding the scope of these restrictions before signing is essential, since they can...
Transferring or Selling a Franchise: Legal Considerations
At some point, most franchisees consider selling the business — whether to retire, move on to a new venture, or capitalize on years of built-up value. Unlike selling an independent business outright, transferring a franchise involves a layer of approval and process...
Personal Guaranties in Franchise Agreements
Franchisees typically operate through an LLC or corporation for liability protection — but franchisors commonly require a personal guaranty from the individual owner(s) as a condition of the franchise agreement, similar to how landlords require personal guaranties in...
Franchise Renewal and Termination Clauses
A franchise agreement's initial term eventually ends — and what happens next depends entirely on the renewal and termination language negotiated (or, more often, accepted as-is) at the start. These provisions determine not just whether a franchisee can continue...
Territory Rights in Franchise Agreements
One of the first questions any prospective franchisee should ask is: what geographic territory am I actually getting, and what protection does it provide against the franchisor opening another location nearby? The answer varies dramatically between franchise systems,...