photo of Daniel So

Daniel So

Partner

Dan has specialized in franchise law for over 23 years. He has helped franchisors expand regionally, nationally and internationally, and has assisted numerous brands expand into Canada from foreign jurisdictions.

Language(s)
English
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Dan works with franchisors, master franchise owners and multi-unit franchisees. He helps franchisors expand across Canada and internationally and provides valuable advice on brand protection and on the myriad of laws regulating franchising. He is especially interested in assisting clients in bringing delicious international brands into Canada, which is not at all selfish.

Dan was a two-time guest expert on CBC Television’s Fortune Hunters, and was a franchise consultant for the producers of CBC Television’s Dragons’ Den. He has advised provincial governments on their franchise legislation, and is the author of the best-selling franchise law textbook, Canadian Franchise Law: A Practical Guide, which, inexplicably, has not been optioned by a major Hollywood studio for its next blockbuster summer film.

In addition to his franchise law practice, Dan has negotiated endorsement and services contracts with Major League Baseball® players and other professional athletes and has negotiated partnerships with Major League Baseball® and National Hockey League® stadiums and arenas.

Before studying law, Dan was a classical pianist who competed and performed across North America. He also played classical and jazz trumpet and once provided the soundtrack to a national advertising campaign for an internationally renowned restaurant franchise (hint: it was McDonald’s). According to his son, Dan can make a mean carrot cake. He once told an embarrassing story to Dax Shepard and Monica Padman on their podcast. He is an airplane and travel aficionado, likes to sous-vide things, and enjoys cycling–firmly believing in the superiority of the Giro D’Italia over the Tour de France. Dan wrote this biography himself, entirely in the third person.

Recognition

Lexpert (Franchise)

The Lexpert Guide to the Leading US/Canada Cross-Border Corporate Lawyers in Canada

Who’s Who Legal: Canada (Franchise Law)

The Best Lawyers in Canada (Franchise Law)

Franchise Times Legal Eagle

Community Involvement

Dan teaches at both the business and law schools at the University of Victoria where he teaches courses on business law, secured transactions and the regulation of financial institutions.  He is also teaching his son how to drive, which is sometimes scarier than teaching law students about the attachment of security interests.

Service Areas

Franchising, Licensing & Distribution

Intellectual Property

Education

  • B.A., Western University, 1996
  • J.D., University of Victoria, 1999

Professional Membership(s)

  • Canadian Bar Association
  • Ontario Bar Association
  • Bar Admission, Ontario (2001), British Columbia (2012), Alberta (2019)
  • Registered Trademark Agent, CPATA

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