Know your legal rights. Get a review of your

Franchise Agreement &

FDD

Franchise Disclosure Document

by our Expert US Franchise Attorneys
from $800

Contracts reviewed in 2024
0

Questions?

Chat with a human (chat icon at the bottom right of screen), or ask our AI Franchise Bot anything you want about our review service.

How our Franchise Agreement and FDD review service works

Be it an unsigned Franchise Agreement and/or Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) that needs a review or a signed one for which you need a succinct opinion, our review service can handle both.

If you do not want a review of your Franchise Agreement or FDD, click here to view our full range of franchise legal services.

Upload contract

Step 1

Order Review

Comprehensive Search

Step 2

Review Conducted

Step 3

Book Optional Video Consult

To order, select which document(s) you would like reviewed, upload them & checkout

Pricing:

FDD Only$800.00Franchise Agreement Only$800.00FDD and Franchise Agreement$1,300.00

Key aspects of our Franchise Agreement and FDD review service

A quick overview of what our Franchise Agreement and FDD review comprises

Meet some of the team

Frequently asked questions

A contract review involves an attorney thoroughly examining your Franchise Agreement and Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) in the context of your specific circumstances. The attorney will identify any red flags, concerns, points of negotiation and recommendations that you should consider before signing or agreeing to the documents.

Our reviews typically take 2 business days unless you order the Express Delivery option. The Express Delivery option must be ordered before 1 PM EST to ensure delivery before midnight on the same day; otherwise, it will be delivered the following business day before 5 PM EST.

Yes, once the review has been conducted, you may book a 30 minute video consultation with your attorney to discuss the review. 

Our Franchise Agreement and FDD review service is designed to provide you with a clear and comprehensive understanding of the legal issues relevant to your franchise documents. We aim to equip you with the knowledge and confidence to proceed or to ask the right questions to ensure your position is protected.

  • Detailed Review: Our attorneys conduct thorough reviews, providing commentary in plain language with annotations directly within the document. This helps you understand complex legal terms and provisions.
  • Tailored Advice: Based on our review, you can request us to amend the document, seek further advice and assistance in negotiation, or use our comments to bolster your negotiation position with the franchisor.
  • Valuable Insights: Our review offers valuable insights that help you move forward confidently, whether that involves negotiating better terms or understanding your rights and obligations.

Although each review is unique and considers different aspects based on your specific context, here are some common elements we might examine:

  • Financial Obligations: Assess the initial fees, ongoing royalties, and other financial commitments to ensure they are fair and transparent.
  • Territorial Rights: Evaluate the exclusivity and scope of your franchise territory to ensure it meets your business needs and provides sufficient market potential.
  • Operational Requirements: Review the operational standards and compliance requirements imposed by the franchisor to ensure you can meet them without undue burden.
  • Support and Training: Consider the training and support provided by the franchisor to ensure it is adequate and aligns with your business goals.
  • Renewal and Termination: Examine the terms related to the renewal, termination, and transfer of the franchise agreement to ensure they are fair and provide you with sufficient protection and flexibility.
  • Marketing and Advertising: Assess the franchisor’s marketing support and your obligations towards advertising contributions to ensure they are reasonable and beneficial.
  • Intellectual Property: Understand the use and protection of trademarks, patents, and other intellectual property to ensure you have the rights and protections needed to operate your franchise.
  • Dispute Resolution: Review the dispute resolution mechanisms and any arbitration clauses to ensure they are fair and provide a clear process for resolving conflicts.
  • Franchisee Obligations: Review all the responsibilities and obligations of the franchisee to ensure you understand what is expected.
  • Initial Investment: Assess the total initial investment required, including equipment, inventory, and other startup costs.
  • Performance Standards: Understand the performance standards and benchmarks that the franchisor expects you to meet.
  • Restrictions on Goods/Services: Evaluate any restrictions on the goods or services you can offer to ensure they align with your business vision.
  • Site Selection and Approval: Review the franchisor’s process for site selection and approval to ensure it supports your business location needs.
  • Transfer Rights: Understand your rights and any restrictions related to transferring or selling your franchise.
  • Audit and Inspection Rights: Assess the franchisor’s rights to audit your business and inspect your premises to ensure they are reasonable.
  • Franchisee Association: Evaluate any clauses related to joining or participating in a franchisee association or advisory council.
  • Legal Compliance: Ensure that the franchise agreement and FDD comply with relevant state and federal laws to avoid potential legal issues.
  • Exit Strategy: Review any exit strategies and the conditions under which you can terminate the agreement.
  • Indemnification Clauses: Understand any indemnification clauses that require you to compensate the franchisor for certain liabilities.
  • Ongoing Fees: Assess any additional ongoing fees such as technology fees, renewal fees, or other charges that may apply.
  • Supplier Restrictions: Evaluate any restrictions on suppliers and whether you are required to purchase products or services from approved vendors only.

Although each review is unique and considers different aspects based on your specific context, here are some common elements we might examine:

  • Franchisee Financial Obligations: Ensure the initial fees, ongoing royalties, and other financial commitments are clearly defined, fair, and beneficial to the franchisor.
  • Territorial Rights: Define the exclusivity and scope of franchise territories to protect the franchisor’s market presence and prevent overlap.
  • Operational Standards: Ensure that the operational standards and compliance requirements imposed on franchisees maintain brand consistency and quality.
  • Support and Training Provisions: Outline the training and support provided to franchisees, ensuring it is comprehensive and aligns with the franchisor’s business model.
  • Renewal and Termination Clauses: Establish clear terms for the renewal, termination, and transfer of franchise agreements to protect the franchisor’s interests.
  • Marketing and Advertising Requirements: Ensure the franchisor’s marketing strategies are supported by franchisee contributions and efforts.
  • Intellectual Property Protection: Safeguard the use and protection of trademarks, patents, and other intellectual property to maintain the franchisor’s brand integrity.
  • Dispute Resolution Mechanisms: Include fair and effective dispute resolution mechanisms and arbitration clauses to handle conflicts efficiently.
  • Initial Investment Requirements: Clearly outline the total initial investment required, including all startup costs and fees, to provide transparency for potential franchisees.
  • Approved Products and Services: Define any restrictions on the goods or services franchisees can offer to maintain brand consistency.
  • Site Selection and Approval Process: Specify the franchisor’s role in site selection and approval to ensure strategic placement of franchise locations.
  • Transfer and Assignment Rights: Clearly outline the conditions under which franchisees can transfer or sell their franchise to protect the franchisor’s interests.
  • Audit and Inspection Rights: Ensure the franchisor’s rights to audit and inspect franchisee operations are clearly stated to maintain quality control.
  • Legal Compliance: Ensure the franchise agreement and FDD comply with all relevant state and federal laws to avoid legal complications.
  • Exit Strategies: Define exit strategies for both the franchisor and franchisee to provide clarity on termination conditions.
  • Indemnification Clauses: Include indemnification clauses to protect the franchisor from liabilities arising from the franchisee’s actions.
  • Ongoing Fees: Clearly outline any additional ongoing fees such as technology fees, renewal fees, or other charges that franchisees must pay.
  • Supplier Agreements: Where required, specify any restrictions on suppliers and ensure franchisees are required to purchase products or services from approved vendors to maintain quality and consistency.

Yes, we take confidentiality very seriously and are bound to keep all dealings with you confidential.

Yes, you may ask any follow-up clarifying questions to your attorney via email, who will answer at no additional cost. Additionally, you can schedule a video consultation with your attorney if you would like to discuss any questions during an online consultation.

If your contract has already been signed and you need guidance on a specific situation that has arisen, you can still use this review service. Select “Agreement already signed, want advice on it” and provide the specific points you need guidance on.

Assuming you have ordered the standard review without an optional extra, our review service identifies issues and concerns within the document. If amendments are needed, we will provide you with a quotation for making the amendments on your behalf. Proceeding with the amendments is at your discretion.

After your Franchise Agreement and/or FDD have been reviewed, it may be necessary to negotiate amendments with the franchisor / franchisee. This can involve making amendments to the agreement, sending proposed amendments via email, or having a call/online meeting with the franchisor / franchisee to discuss and negotiate. We will provide a quote for negotiation support or you can order one hour of negotiation support as an optional extra.

Our reviews point out issues and concerns and do not typically include making actual amendments. However, you can order an hour of amendments as an optional extra during the checkout process.

Yes, our lawyers are registered with the appropriate practicing authority in their state.

Your lawyer will have no less than 12 years of practicing experience, but in most instances, at least 20 years of experience.

We operate in all states and can review your Franchise Agreement and/or FDD no matter where it is from in the U.S.

To receive your review on the same day before midnight, you need to order the Express Delivery before 1 PM EST. Express Delivery orders made after 1 PM EST will be delivered the next business day, before 5 PM EST.