Franchise Disputes

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Our franchise dispute resolution specialists are an integral part of our franchising team. We advise on all stages of the dispute avoidance and resolution process. Our experts give initial trouble-shooting advice, in addition to mediation, litigation, and arbitration.

Early dispute resolution input is critical. We regularly act on matters including termination, managing franchisee performance issues, injunctive relief to prevent competition with the network, and strategies to avoid escalation of network-wide franchisee unrest.

Why choose our Franchise Disputes lawyers?

In addition to our significant UK disputes expertise, we counsel clients on disputes arising out of international franchise relationships and roll-out programmes. Our experts act for clients on disputes and manage litigation in various countries around the world, including Hong Kong, Romania, Russia, India, China, the UAE and Brazil.

We have significant experience of franchisee class actions lawsuits and have successfully represented groups to re-negotiate their franchise agreements, obtain damages, free themselves from contractual restrictions or buy out the business from their franchisor (where we believe we were the pioneers of the franchisee buyout).

For specialist and timely advice on franchise dispute resolution, our technical experts are here to help.

Notable deals and highlights

Acted on behalf of a leading UK care home provider

We acted on behalf of a leading UK care home provider in its successful claim against franchisees in the leading recent English High Court judgment in this sector. Judgment was awarded in favour of our client in relation to every aspect of its claim (including its post-termination covenants) including indemnity costs award.

Advised on risk, quantification of compensation and associated multimillion claims

Our team advised on risk, quantification of compensation and associated multimillion claims arising from the closure by a leading High Street bank of a network of banking agencies.

Represented a group of more than 100 franchisees in a dispute

We represented a group of more than 100 franchisees in a dispute concerning their franchisor's level and quality of support to their businesses, advising on possible exits from the network. The broader dispute was eventually resolved in a complex, yet successful, mediation involving almost 70 parties.

Represented a franchisor in a High Court and Court of Appeal dispute

We represented a franchisor in a High Court and Court of Appeal dispute against a former franchisee who had continued to trade in breach of post-termination restrictions.

Secured an injunction for an international food franchisor

The team secured an injunction for an international food franchisor to restrain a former franchisee from operating a competing franchise in breach of post-termination covenants. The competing franchise (in several former territories) had been set up to conceal the former franchisee's involvement.

Key contacts

Gordon Drakes

Partner, Co-head of Franchising and Commercial
London, England +44 7872 398795 Email Gordon

Distribution and Agency

Energy

Food and Beverage

Franchise Transactions
Andrew Dodd

General Counsel and Partner, IP and Technology, Protection and Enforcement
London, England +44 (0)330 460 6525 Email Andrew

Digital and Social Media

Franchise Transactions

Intellectual Property

Sourcing and Projects