In May of last year, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) sought to ban non-compete agreements in most employment contracts. Franchise agreements were an exception. However, before the rule could take effect in September, a...more
2/18/2025
/ Antitrust Provisions ,
Compliance ,
Contract Terms ,
Federal Trade Commission (FTC) ,
Franchise Agreements ,
Franchises ,
Franchisors ,
NASAA ,
Non-Compete Agreements ,
Restrictive Covenants ,
Trade Secrets
Washington-state based franchisees Greg and Gabriela Skistimas brought suit against Hotworx Franchising LLC in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington alleging misleading and unfair practices related to...more
12/3/2024
/ Arbitration ,
Disclosure Requirements ,
Federal Trade Commission (FTC) ,
Franchise Agreements ,
Franchises ,
Franchisors ,
FTC Franchise Rule ,
Louisiana ,
Marketing ,
Misleading Statements ,
Motion to Compel ,
Personal Jurisdiction ,
Unfair or Deceptive Trade Practices ,
Washington
The Federal Trade Commission’s efforts to ban noncompete agreements suffered a serious blow when a federal judge in Texas issued a nationwide injunction blocking the ban’s enforcement. Implementation of the ban could disrupt...more
9/3/2024
/ Federal Bans ,
Federal Trade Commission (FTC) ,
Final Rules ,
FTC Act ,
Non-Compete Agreements ,
Preliminary Injunctions ,
Regulatory Authority ,
Restrictive Covenants ,
Statutory Authority ,
Texas ,
Unfair or Deceptive Trade Practices
On July 12, 2024, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued a policy statement regarding franchisors’ use of contract provisions such as non-disparagement, goodwill, and confidentiality clauses. This is another example of the...more
On March 10, 2023, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) notified the public it is seeking comments from franchisors, franchisees, and other related parties about franchise agreements, franchisor business practices, and how...more
For the first time in over a decade, the Federal Trade Commission is considering changes to its Franchise Rule. The Rule represents an effort by the Commission to prevent unfair and deceptive practices by franchisors against...more
A recent decision from a federal court in Massachusetts is a significant victory for franchisors who continue to face lawsuits alleging they have misclassified their franchisees as independent contractors rather than...more
Three members of the JANI-KING® franchise system filed suit last week in federal court in Washington, D.C. alleging that the United States Small Business Administration (the SBA) has discriminated against franchised...more
4/24/2020
/ CARES Act ,
Coronavirus/COVID-19 ,
Discrimination ,
Eligibility Determination ,
Enforcement Authority ,
Federal Trade Commission (FTC) ,
Injunctive Relief ,
Loan Applications ,
Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) ,
SBA ,
Small Business ,
Small Business Loans