FRANCHISE LAW PRACTICE GROUP
IS CANADA IN YOUR PLANS?
Franchising is one of the most important sources of
economic growth in Canada and around the world. In fact,
franchised businesses claim 40% of every retail dollar spent
in Canada while across the border in the United States, a new
franchise opens every eight minutes of every business day.
HOW WE CAN HELP YOU!
Cassels Brock has assisted many corporate and franchised
brands expand to Canada. We also have complementary
experience advising on business acquisitions, sales and
investments. We can help with:
DEDICATED EXPERTISE
1.
Cassels Brock has one of Canada’s largest and most
sophisticated franchise law teams, able to expertly guide
clients through the growing and ever-evolving world of
franchise law. Our dedicated team is recognized both
domestically and internationally, offering extensive practical
experience in all facets of franchising from assisting local
start-ups to working with some of the world’s biggest brands
on their international expansion strategies.
2.Consider
RECOGNIZED LEADERS
3.
Our franchise lawyers are recognized as leaders in their
field. Partner Larry Weinberg was named the one and only
2014 and 2015 worldwide “Lawyer of the Year” for franchise
law by Who’s Who Legal and we have multiple practitioners
deemed “Legal Eagles” by Franchise Times, a US publication.
Our team is also acclaimed by such authorities as Chambers
Global: The World’s Leading Lawyers for Business where
we are the only Canadian firm ranked in their worldwide
list of franchise lawyers; The Best Lawyers in Canada;
International Who’s Who in Franchise Law and the Canadian
Franchise Association. The Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory
lists Cassels Brock as one of only two “Most Frequently
Recommended” major full service firms in the area of
franchise law.
OUR CLIENTS
Our franchisor clients represent a broad spectrum of
businesses, from traditional business format franchises
to clients offering services and products through new and
unique methods of distribution.
The partners, associates and law clerks of our Franchise
Law Group ensure clients understand the legal issues
and fundamental aspects of franchising and related
distribution models.
Protect Your Trademarks in Canada. Have us search to
determine if the principal trademark is available for use
and registration in Canada. The registration process can be
lengthy, but completing searches and filing applications early
can remove any uncertainty.
Whether you Want to Operate Corporate Owned
Units, Franchise to Others, or Do Both. We help clients
choose an appropriate expansion structure, whether it is
corporate units, single unit franchising, master franchising,
area development, area representation, or a combination of
one or more methods.
Understand the Tax Issues. We regularly advise on the
domestic and international tax issues relating to the
expansion, and the corporate and/or franchised structure
being proposed.
4.“Canadianize”
the Franchise Documents. If a franchise
structure is chosen, changes to franchise agreements will
likely be recommended to comply with Canadian laws and
practices. If the plan is to franchise in Canadian provinces
with a franchise law, we need to prepare a Canadian Franchise
Disclosure Document.
5.Private
Equity and M&A. If a franchise chain is to be
purchased, sold or invested in, we can help, and bring a valueadded perspective on dealing with franchise company assets
and related regulatory compliance issues.
6.Litigation
and Dispute Resolution. We are your go-to team
for problem solving and dispute resolution, regularly handling
enforcement, termination, noncompetition, rescission and
franchise class action defence cases throughout Canada.
COMPREHENSIVE CAPABILITIES
WE WANT TO
WORK WITH YOU
Our clients represent a broad spectrum of businesses, from
traditional business format franchises to those using nontraditional methods of distributing their goods and services. Our
advice includes:
Contact any of our practice group leaders:
LARRY WEINBERG 1,2,3,4,5
416 860 2987 | lweinberg@casselsbrock.com
Business Law
GEOFF SHAW 1,2,4
• Set-up of franchise systems locally, nationally and
internationally
• Drafting, updating and negotiation of franchise agreements,
including single and multi-unit franchise agreements
• Franchise disclosure law compliance
• Purchase and sale of individual franchised units or complete
franchise systems
• Multi-unit expansion, including master franchising, area
development and area representative agreements, including
joint ventures
• Strategic advice regarding franchise associations and
advisory councils
• National and international expansion strategies, development
and document preparation
• “Accidental franchise” avoidance
416 869 5982 | gshaw@casselsbrock.com
DEREK RONDE
416 869 5428 | dronde@casselsbrock.com
FRANK ROBINSON 1
416 869 5991 | frobinson@casselsbrock.com
1.
Ranked by Who’s Who Legal as one of the Most Highly
Regarded Franchise Lawyers in Canada
Ranked by the Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory as Leading
Franchise Law Practitioners in Canada
2.
Named by UK-based Who’s Who Legal as 2014 Worldwide
Franchise Law’s “Lawyer of the Year”
3.
4.
Litigation
Ranked by The Best Lawyers in Canada as a leading lawyer
in the area of Franchise Law
Only Canadian lawyer ranked by UK-based Chambers Global in
their worldwide list of leading Franchise lawyers
5.
• Dispute resolution, including mediation, arbitration
and litigation
• Class action defence
• Dealing with franchisee default and termination
www.casselsbrock.com/practiceareas/franchise
Integrated Services
As part of a full-service firm, our team is supported by
colleagues in complementary practice areas, ensuring nimble
and seamless navigation of all franchise business issues,
including:
• Private equity and public financing, including securities law
• Information technology including internet and privacy law
issues
• Protection and licensing of trademarks and other intellectual
property rights
• Corporate tax strategies and personal tax planning
• Competition law issues
• Real estate and commercial leasing
• Human resources issues including employment and
independent contractor arrangements
• Bankruptcy, receiverships and business reorganization
• Construction law
© 2015 Cassels Brock & Blackwell LLP. All rights reserved. This document does not constitute
legal advice. Users should consult legal counsel for advice regarding the matters discussed herein.
10/2015
Cassels Brock & Blackwell LLP
Suite 2100, Scotia Plaza
40 King Street West Toronto, ON Canada M5H 3C2
Tel: 416 869 5300 Fax: 416 360 8877
Suite 2200, HSBC Building
885 West Georgia Street
Vancouver, BC Canada V6C 3E8
Tel: 604 691 6100 Fax: 604 691 6120