Venable's franchise lawyers represent many of the world's leading brands. We are trial lawyers with decades of experience litigating issues unique to franchising throughout the United States and in international arbitrations. We are also transactional counsel who guide franchise systems through development, licensing, franchise disclosure documents, and other business transactions.
Our attorneys have deep industry experience, representing and advising major players in the restaurant, consumer product, and hospitality realms—both nationally and internationally. This experience includes litigation related to trademarks, the implementation and enforcement of system standards, and commercial disputes. We've handled workout agreements and disputes for all sorts of service providers, fast-food chains, and food and beverage companies. With many of our lawyers serving as leaders in the major franchise industry trade groups, including the International Franchise Association and the American Bar Association's Forum on Franchising, we are well equipped to prepare franchise disclosure documents; franchise, license, and development agreements; and other contracts linked to franchising.
Our knowledge extends well beyond franchising and distribution laws. We advise on issues tied to advertising and marketing, construction and real estate, labor and employment, and intellectual property of all kinds. Our team practices "preventive law" to spare clients the expense and uncertainty of litigation, through careful and collaborative planning, problem solving, transaction structuring, and drafting. But when the need arises, Venable has a highly recognized litigation practice full of attorneys experienced in handling Lanham Act claims, franchisee wrongful termination claims, litigation of supplier issues, class actions, regulatory issues, and various other franchise-related issues. We have represented franchisors around the world, successfully defending against hundreds of millions of dollars in claims. Our teams are armed with deep knowledge and experience and are ready to handle whatever challenges arise.
