Franchise Litigation

With more than 25 years’ continuous experience in representing franchisors (and, occasionally, franchisees), Williams Mullen is well-versed in litigation concerning rights and duties arising out of the franchise relationship. Such litigation has included:

• Actions by franchisors against franchisees to enforce termination of franchise relationships
• Trademark and service mark protection
• System standards enforcement
• Collection of system royalties and other fees
• Recovery of real and personal property involved in the franchise
• Enforcement of covenants against competition

Our franchise law litigation experience includes the defense of franchisors in investigations by the Federal Trade Commission and by state governmental authorities, and in franchise litigation initiated by state governmental authorities, current and former franchisees, and third parties.

Our team has represented numerous franchisors operating in a wide variety of industries, including:

• Hospitality
• Fast food
• Restaurant
• Janitorial services
• Automobile products and services
• Children’s services
• Computer and electronics services
• Fitness products and services
• Lawn and garden services

In addition, our franchise attorneys have extensive experience in the alcoholic beverage and automotive distribution industries, including the prosecution and defense of statutorily mandated “good cause” terminations and transfer of business decisions.

Wine and Beer

Williams Mullen has particular knowledge and experience in the representation of wineries and wine wholesalers in disputes arising under state statutes controlling distribution of alcohol – in North Carolina, the Wine Distribution Agreements Act, NC General Statutes § 18B-1200 et seq. and in Virginia, the Virginia Wine Franchise Act, Va. Code Ann. § 4. 1-400 et seq.

Similarly, the firm brings knowledge and experience to the representation of breweries, suppliers and beer wholesalers in disputes under the Virginia Beer Franchise Act, Va. Code Ann. § 4. 1-500 et seq. and the North Carolina Beer Franchise Law, §18B-1300 et seq.

Wine and beer disputes handled by the firm’s attorneys have involved primary areas of responsibility, termination, cancellations or non-renewals of agreements, and unilateral modification of agreements or relationships.

In each state, Williams Mullen attorneys have participated in the drafting of relevant acts.

Franchise Attorneys Representation in North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland and Beyond

Our franchise lawyers have represented parties in franchise litigation in state and federal trial and appellate courts throughout Virginia, North Carolina and Maryland, as well as in the District of Columbia, New Jersey, South Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, Florida, West Virginia and Connecticut. Our federal court experience includes extensive work in the U.S. Bankruptcy Courts.

Members of the firm monitor the latest developments in franchise law by their active participation in the International Franchise Association, the American Bar Association’s Forum on Franchising and in other groups focused on franchising. Our franchise attorneys frequently write and speak on current franchise law topics at meetings and seminars sponsored by these and other organizations.