As required every four years, adjustments to the FTC Franchise Rule’s monetary thresholds for certain exemptions are on the way. The exemptions under the FTC Franchise Rule are intended to exclude franchise transactions in which the prospective franchisee doesn’t need
Franchising & Distribution Law Blog
The Franchising & Distribution Law Blog, published by UB Greensfelder LLP, focuses on legal issues affecting franchising and distribution businesses. It covers topics such as franchise agreements, regulatory compliance, franchisee-franchisor relationships, and the impact of federal and state laws on franchise operations. The blog also addresses emerging trends like electric vehicle charging integration in franchise systems, labor and employment challenges within franchises, data privacy concerns, and the effects of new technologies including artificial intelligence. Additionally, it provides updates on government actions and public comment opportunities related to franchise regulation and business practices.
Latest from Franchising & Distribution Law Blog - Page 3
What to know about SBA coronavirus disaster loans
A new publication from Greensfelder’s Business Services practice group regarding Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) may be relevant to many franchise systems. The purpose of the EIDL program is to provide economic support to small businesses in order to continue…
More states make accommodations for franchise filings
This post was updated on April 8, 2020. In recent days, several U.S. states have announced accommodations for franchise filings. California announced an extension of time for calendar year franchisors to file their 2020 renewals from April 20 to June 20…
Virginia extends franchise registrations and exemptions
On March 18, 2020, the State Corporation Commission of Virginia extended current franchise registrations and exemptions under the Virginia Retail Franchising Act that would have expired between March 16, 2020, and April 6, 2020, by 21 days. The order indicates…
Franchise renewal season and COVID-19: Maryland grants partial renewal extension
March and April mean franchise registration renewal season for franchisors. Updating the franchise disclosure document (FDD) in a timely fashion is often a major challenge. COVID-19 has thrown much of the world, including franchisors, into a new, very uncertain reality.…
DOL proposes a simpler solution to the joint employer test
On April 1, 2019, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) offered a simplified test in a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to determine whether two entities should be considered joint employers under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). The FLSA provides…
NLRB reinstates age-old independent-contractor standard
The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) on Jan. 25, 2019, overturned its 2014 ruling in FedEx Home Delivery and returned to its long-standing independent-contractor standard. In affirming its reliance on the traditional common-law employment classification test, the board clarified how entrepreneurial opportunity…
Motion to dismiss granted on PMPA claims brought by unbranded motor fuel stations
In a case pending in the Northern District of Illinois, a court granted a motion to dismiss Petroleum Marketing Practices Act (PMPA) claims brought pertaining to two unbranded motor fuel stations. The court, however, refused to dismiss claims on the…
Menu labeling rules go into effect in May 2018
After repeated delays, the compliance deadline for the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) new federal menu labeling rules — requiring disclosure of nutrition information for standard menu items — is set for May 7, 2018. After repeatedly being postponed, the…
Court finds a non-signatory bound to terms of a franchise agreement
A Georgia federal court recently found that a person who did not sign a franchise agreement was nevertheless bound by it. That was good news for a franchisor caught between two parties who claimed no responsibility for violating the franchise…