Franchising
Service overview: Franchising solicitors
- Franchising can be a great way to expand your business regionally or even internationally by replicating a proven profitable model: annual UK industry turnover has tripled in the last 20 years.
- Business format franchising is the most common way a franchisor can license a franchisee to run their own business under the franchise brand.
- Whether you’re a franchisor or a franchisee, or an established franchise network, you’ll nearly always need legal advice for your franchising agreements.
- Franchising arrangements will always need specialist intellectual property advice – we can provide legal help and advice across both areas.
- Read our FAQs on Franchising Your Business and Buying a Franchise.
What we do: Franchising legal advice
If you’re looking to franchise your business to a third party, or if you’re looking to invest in and run an existing business model, our franchise solicitors can advise and assist you on all matters of franchising law.
Our franchising solicitors advise and assist you with all aspects of franchising law, including:
- Intellectual property law and registration of trade marks
- Other laws that relate to franchise contracts, including those specific to the business sector of the franchise
- Purchase/sale of an existing franchise
- Dispute resolution – resolving any issues you have with a franchisee or third party
- Tax
We can also assist with the drafting of various franchising documents, such as:
- Franchise and development agreements
- Non-disclosure agreements
- Confidentiality agreements
- Trade mark agreements
- Pre-contractual disclosure documents
- Guarantee documents
Who we help: Franchisors and franchisees
Our franchise solicitors have experience in helping both franchisors and franchisees, as well as industry bodies on all matters concerning franchising.
We have experience in helping those just starting out in franchising, as well as those with established international franchise networks.
We can help franchisors and franchisees at all stages of their business journey, including:
- Reviewing and advising on franchise and other related agreements
- Negotiating leases on premises
- Day-to-day business issues
- Employment issues and contracts
- Managing and resolving disputes with the franchisor
We can advise you at every stage of the franchise process and at every time a new franchise is granted. Our franchising solicitors can also update any contracts if there’s changes in the law.
Why choose our franchising solicitors?
Our franchising solicitors are specialists, but they also provide a holistic legal service so they’re also often trained in other key areas that you’ll need, such as intellectual property protection strategy and dispute resolution. Find out more about our franchising team below:
Pricing plans
Our three transparent pricing packages are designed to give you the widest possible access to high-quality legal advice, whatever the size and nature of your business:
City
Straightforward access to senior solicitors at a competitive rate.
An affordable solution for businesses needing one-off legal support. Receive ‘City’ partner-level expertise at a fraction of ‘City’ prices.
Enterprise
Have legal peace of mind for £189 per month with additional support from £99 per hour.
A monthly subscription legal support package specifically designed for start-ups and smaller businesses.
On-Demand
For businesses requiring 60+ hours of support a year, with prices equivalent to £99 per hour.
Fully account managed quarterly subscription service for businesses with more complex legal needs.
What our clients say
We pride ourselves on delivering an excellent service for clients, but don’t just take our word for it.
Harper James have become a vital part of our business. We get quality advice from experienced solicitors at prices that other firms do not appear to be able to match.
Harper James provide a cost effective, responsive and versatile service and provide us with access to legal teams that are experienced, commercially focused and well-resourced. Most importantly they are extremely familiar with the SME market and know the venture capital sector well.
We’ve been working with the team for over a year and since day one they've been pragmatic, diligent and above all, committed throughout. They work hard to add value and have been of great benefit to us and our investors.
