Franchising, Licensing & Distribution

Whether your business is an emerging or established brand, Canadian or international, Dale & Lessmann's Franchising, Licensing & Distribution team can assist you with the growth, protection and development of your brand. We will guide you through complex regulatory and compliance issues and provide you with clear and practical legal advice.

Our team of franchise lawyers bring their expertise and industry experience across all major sectors of the franchise industry, including automotive, restaurants & foodservice, grocery & retail, cannabis, personal services and home improvement.

We represent franchisors, franchisees, area developers, master franchisees, manufacturers, suppliers, distributors and licensors with the expansion of franchise, distribution and licensing systems and networks across Canada in all business sectors. We offer our franchise and distribution clients a full range of legal support to help structure franchise, distribution and licensing programs including trademark protection, business transactions, retail leasing and litigation.

Our services include:

  • Drafting of franchise agreements, area developer agreements and master franchise agreements
  • Preparation of franchise disclosure documents
  • Coordinating the purchase or sale of a franchise system or individual franchise unit
  • Dispute resolution, including litigation
  • Mergers and acquisitions
  • Acting as special counsel to firms in connection with the purchase and sale of franchised businesses
  • Negotiation of financing
  • Preparation of distribution, manufacturing, supply and license agreements
  • Intellectual property protection including trade secrets, trademarks and copyright
  • Advertising and marketing legal issues
  • Structuring contest rules, gift card terms and related programs
  • Real estate development, leasing and financing

Our department and our individual partners have been ranked as leaders in Canadian franchise law by LexpertWho’s Who Legal: CanadaChambers Canada, The Best Lawyers in Canada and Franchise Times.