Lessons by Subject Outline - Franchising Law

Subject Outline

  • History & Overview
    • The Rise of Franchising
      • Advantages and Disadvantages of Franchising
    • What is a Franchise?
      • Overlapping Federal and State Jurisdiction
      • The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Definition
      • State Definitions
      • What is Not a Franchise: Exemptions from Regulation
  • Trademark Law and Licensing
    • Trademark Theory and Overview
      • Trademark Policy
    • Trademark Basics
      • Requirements for Registration
      • The Spectrum of Conceptual Strength
      • Functionality
      • Trade Dress
      • National Rights versus Regional Rights
    • Ownership, Assignment & Licensing
      • Rights of Initial Registrant
      • Assignment and Licensing
      • Abandonment
    • Violating the Markholder's Rights
      • Trademark Infringement
      • Trademark Dilution
      • Cybersquatting
    • Defenses to Infringement
      • Nominative "Fair Use"
    • Remedies
      • Equitable Relief
      • Damages and Profits
  • Restrictions on Offering Franchises for Sale
    • The Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD)
      • Purpose and Overview
      • Selected Disclosures in Details
        • Line 4: Franchisor Litigation
        • Line 7: Estimated Initial Investment
        • Line 8: Restrictions on Sources of Products and Services
        • Line 9: Franchisee's Obligations
        • Line 11: Franchiser's Promise of Assistance
        • Line 12: Franchisee's Sales territory
        • Line 13: Licensing Franchisor's Trademarks
        • Line 16: Restricting What the Franchise May Sell
        • Line 17: Ending the Franchise Relationship
        • Line 19: Franchisor's Financial Performance Representations
  • Structuring the Franchise Relationship
    • The Franchise Agreement (FA)
      • Purpose and Overview
      • Selected Contract Provisions in Detail
        • Implied Right to Future trademarks, Goods and Services
        • Franchisor as Exclusive Source of Inventory and Equipment
        • Franchisor's Duty to Assist in Real Estate Development
        • Shopping Mall Exclusivity
        • Franchisee Vulnerability to Loss by Condemnation
        • Franchisor's Control of Franchisee
        • Termination and Non-Renewal
        • What is "Good Cause"
        • What is not "Good Cause"
        • When May Franchisor Obtain "Lost Future Profits"
        • How Broad is Franchisors Exculpatory Clause Defense?
        • The Universal Requirement for Arbitration
  • Franchisor Liability for Acts of Franchisee
    • Franchisor's Control: A Double-Edged Sword
      • Purpose and Overview
        • Imputed Franchisor Liability