In the Know

In the Know is a quarterly publication written by our lawyers on current franchising news and recent legal developments.

View pdfs: Summer 2012, Winter 2012, Fall 2011, Winter 2011, Summer 2010, Fall 2009, Spring 2009, Winter 2009, Fall 2008

Recent Blog Posts

What every Franchisor should know about Franchisee Advisory Councils and Franchisee Associations – Part 1

John Yiokaris

Published January 1, 2009

There are many challenges in the relationship between franchisees and franchisors. Franchise associations and franchisee advisory councils can serve as a useful interface in the franchisor / franchisee relationship.

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Considering buying a franchise? Look before you leap

David Gray

Published January 1, 2009

If you are looking for a career change, you may wish to join the many business people who have had great success turning to the franchise industry.

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Manitoba law reform commission: A franchise law report

John Sotos

Published January 1, 2009

Following the issuance of a Consultation Paper on Franchise Law by the Manitoba Law Reform Commission (the “Commission”), in May 2007, the Commission asked whether franchise legislation was needed in Manitoba, and if so, what such legislation look like.

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Dramatic changes to Ontario’s judicial system coming in January 2010

Allan D.J. Dick

Published January 1, 2009

Individuals and corporations alike have routinely walked away from pursuing disputes in the courts or have settled cases for three reasons which were seen as antithetical to obtaining “justice” – the judicial system has been seen as too costly, too slow and too unsatisfactory.

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Contract amendment by email

Andy Seretis

Published January 1, 2009

Given that email communication has to a certain extent replaced oral exchanges between franchisors and franchisees, franchisors may inadvertently be deemed to have agreed to franchise agreement amendments by virtue of a set of email exchanges that take place subsequent to the initial execution of the contract.

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Proceed with caution when changing the franchise system

David Sterns

Published January 1, 2009

There are several points that must be considered before a franchisor introduces changes to its business model. The first and most important is whether the franchisor is really contemplating a new or amended form of agreement with its franchisees.

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Structuring Franchise Fees

Sotos LLP

Published January 1, 2009

A primer on franchise fees covering initial franchise fees, royalties and other revenue sources, and tax considerations.

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Protecting Your Trademarks: Why and How?

Sotos LLP

Published January 1, 2009

A good name can lead to great riches; but, a name without a clear outline of ownership can lead to problems. Find out why your trade-mark portfolio should be assembled, maintained, and legally protected.

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