Franchise Law
Over the years, Bulman Dunie has been advising franchisees regarding the acquisition, ownership, and operation of franchised businesses. Bulman Dunie is fortunate to have a senior attorney who not only has advised franchisees, but who has been a franchisee. This places Bulman Dunie in the unique position of having hands on practical experience to combine with years of legal experience representing franchisees. As the result of this unique blend of practical and legal experience, Bulman Dunie specializes in representing franchisees.
Areas of Assistance
- Review of the Franchise Disclosure Document with particular emphasis on the proposed franchise agreement
- Formation of a business entity such as a corporation or limited liability company to own the business
- Negotiation of leases for the franchise location, as well as equipment leases
- Introductions to lenders and negotiation of commercial loans
- Resolution of disputes with the franchisor
We Can Help You Get Started, Maintain and Expand Your Franchise
Typically, the first step in representing a new franchisee is to advise the client regarding the terms of the Franchise Disclosure Document and, specifically, the proposed franchise agreement. Bulman Dunie has been through this process with many franchisees and has developed a system to facilitate a thorough review and discussion of the franchise documents. Part of this system is to charge a flat fee for these services in an effort to encourage as much discussion as possible between attorney and client. Bulman Dunie assists franchisees in deciding whether what they want to accomplish is better suited to a franchise situation versus simply starting a new business.
Franchisees will typically desire to form a new business entity to hold the franchise. Bulman Dunie works with clients and their accountants to determine what type of entity should be formed to own and operate the franchise. As part of this work, Bulman Dunie advises franchisees on liability issues regarding the franchisor, lenders, and other creditors.
While there are more and more home-based franchisees, very often the negotiation of a lease for the franchise location occurs either at the same time the franchise agreement is being reviewed or very soon thereafter. Bulman Dunie has reviewed, and advised clients, regarding leases in small strip malls, large shopping centers, stand-alone buildings, and many locations in between.
Once that first location is open, many franchisees will look to expand. Bulman Dunie understands with growth comes prosperity, but also additional burdens and issues. Bulman Dunie has worked with many franchisees to efficiently and effectively expand their business to include multiple locations. This may include assistance with obtaining financing and/or reviewing loan documents.
Please see the Bulman Dunie Business Law Practice Area for further information regarding the services provided by Bulman Dunie to business clients.
We Have the Experience and Know How to Help You Succeed
Mark W. Shupe holds a Masters Degree in Taxation and has been representing franchisees and other small businesses for more than 25 years. He is a member of the American Association of Franchisees and Dealers and also the American Bar Association Forum on Franchising. Recognizing the best legal answer to a problem is not always responsive to a small-business owners needs, his approach is to consider the legal, tax, and practical aspects of each transaction in order to best advise clients. Lawrence Z. Bulman is semi-retired. As the past owner and operator of a number of franchised locations for years, he is uniquely qualified to address the legal needs and requirements of other franchisees. He has first-hand knowledge of the difficulties faced both in opening a first location, as well as the growing pains created by expansion.