Venable is pleased to announce that Barry Blum, Nina Greene, Michael Joblove, and Jonathan Perlman were recognized by Franchise Times among its Legal Eagles of 2023. This recognition honors lawyers who live and breathe franchising and understand the nuances of the unique business model. Against a backdrop of industry changes, economic uncertainty, and heightened interest in franchising, these exceptional professionals are more necessary than ever.
Mr. Blum focuses his practice on business litigation, with an emphasis in franchise matters, Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) arbitration matters for claimants in securities cases, and employment matters. He is an American Arbitration Association-Commercial Panel arbitrator and a mediator with extensive experience in commercial and employment disputes. He previously served as senior executive for ten years at Burger King Corp. in legal and franchising roles, where his responsibilities included managing the company's litigation matters worldwide.
Ms. Greene focuses her practice on franchise, trademark, and general commercial litigation. She has represented franchisors in state and federal courts in Florida and throughout the United States and in domestic and international arbitrations. This has involved protection of trademarks and intellectual property (IP) rights, franchise terminations, trade secrets, covenants not to compete, unfair competition, business torts, and many other issues.
Mr. Joblove is an experienced litigator who focuses his practice on franchise, real estate, and general commercial litigation. He provides national franchise counsel to Restaurant Brands International, handling franchise litigation for its Burger King Corp., Popeye's Louisiana Kitchen, Inc., and Tim Hortons brands throughout the United States, and in international arbitrations. He has also represented numerous other franchisors and brands, both domestically and internationally, including Benihana National Corp., Subway, Planet Fitness, Churromania, Church's Chicken, T.G.I. Friday's, Smoothie King, Pearle Vision, Inc., and Gap, Inc., among others.
Mr. Perlman leads Venable’s Receivership Practice and is regularly appointed by courts to serve as receiver over businesses engaged in violations of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Act or Securities Exchange Act. He is also a noted franchise attorney who has represented franchisors in a wide variety of individual and class action matters, including actions involving the Lanham Act, Section 5 of the FTC Act, state deceptive and unfair trade practices acts, state franchise relationship and registration laws, and accessibility laws. A recognized thought leader, Mr. Perlman frequently speaks on franchising matters, including at International Franchise Association and ABA Forum on Franchising events.