All posts by Lane Fisher

Fisher Zucker attorney Max Staplin has been selected to present at the 50th Annual International Franchise Association (IFA) Legal Symposium on May 7-9, 2017, at the JW Marriott in Washington, D.C.  Max will be presenting on the topic of franchise system changes and has collaborated with Andraya Frith of Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP to prepare an article on the topic.  The article, titled “Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes: Implementing System Changes, Upgrades and

                  As franchise systems grow and expand, franchisors often feel the need to implement various changes such as altering distribution channels, changing product offerings, modifying design or architecture of franchise locations or introducing technology upgrades.  These types of changes can be perceived as disruptive to franchisees who have grown comfortable with the established franchise system.  If the system change is not clearly

Senior Associates David J. Allsman and William R. Graefe, III join Leadership Team to Support Firm’s Growth and Expansion Fisher Zucker LLC, a full-service law firm dedicated to franchise, distribution and licensing, announces the promotion of David J. Allsman and William R. Graefe, III to partner. Allsman and Graefe each have more than a decade of experience handling matters specific to the unique needs of the franchise community, and are well-positioned

Franchisors, as they grow and add multi-unit and sophisticated franchisees, need to retool how they provide operational support.  Specifically, franchisors need to fashion the support that they provide and tailor it to the individual needs of the franchisee.  While mom and pop franchisees often need hand holding in the minutia of the business, more sophisticated professional franchisees such as highly sought after experienced multi-unit franchisees need benchmarking, data, and best

As the landscape becomes ever more competitive, franchisors need to maximize their franchisee relationships more than ever to drive system and unit profitability.  The benchmarking and sharing of data and best practices is critical to this effort.  However, it’s not enough to merely check the box, franchise leadership need to get the most out of the data.  This involves the franchisor providing engaging, and useful, leadership updates and carefully listening

President Trump has named Philip A. Miscimarra as Acting Chairman of the National Labor Relations Board, replacing former Chairman Mark Gaston Pearce. As Chairman, Miscimarra may issue rulings regarding the National Labor Relations Act, so franchisors should seek to remain informed on any decisions that may impact their status under joint employment laws. Miscimarra served a Board Member of the NLRB since August 7, 2013, after having been nominated by

A successful franchisor understands that keeping up with the ever-evolving needs and wants of the consumer contributes crucially to the company’s longevity. However, while some changes in taste are simple to identify and implement, others may require a larger, more deliberate shift in business strategy. The Boston Consulting Group has recently cautioned restaurant operators and franchisors of the impending disruption caused by third-party delivery services. Reflective of consumers’ constant desire

Franchise executives and professionals recently gathered at the Union League in Philadelphia at the Franchisor Round-Up to discuss what 2017 holds for the franchise industry.  The Round-Up focused on practical changes franchisors can implement to best position their brands for the legal and regulatory uncertainties that lie in the not so distant future. Legislative Update and Outlook The Round-Up discussed the ramifications of Donald Trump’s election, with a focus on

For those of you following the Saladworks v. Workers’ Compensation Appeal Board pending before the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, I’m pleased to report that the Court, after briefing and argument, dismissed the appeal as “improvidently granted”.  This result leaves in place what we thought was well settled law in Pennsylvania that the franchisor is not generally liable for the acts or omissions of its franchisees. This case involved the employee of