Are you considering franchising as an option for starting a business? Are you interested in growing an already successful business by franchising across the country? The never ending business of franchising has become a big industry in Canada. In the field of franchising, businesses vary immensely from fast food chains and restaurants, to coffee shops, clothing retailers, hotels, grocery stores, gas stations, home and garden retailers, and even senior care facilities.

At Opara Law PC we are dedicated to making your dream of starting and owning your franchise come true. Opara Law PC franchising division is made up of a team of comprehensive professionals who have an extensive knowledge of franchising law as well as business, intellectual property, copyright and trade-mark law.

• Franchise Your Business.
• Purchase a Franchise.
• Dispute Resolution Services.

• Franchise Agreements
• Real Estate Leases
• LLC Operating Agreements
• Buy-Sell Agreements Among Business Owners

Creating or owning your first franchise can be a frightful endeavor that doesn’t occur instantaneously. Most individuals don’t know where to begin or what steps they should take. Fortunately, here at Opara Law PC we do know the right steps. Opara Law PC represents franchisors, franchisees and other entrepreneurs at the first stages of their quest to create and grow their business, and we continue to counsel and represent them as they grow.

1. Create and/or Register your Trademarks
2. Incorporate your Business
3. Examine and outline the Financial Goals you wish to Establish for your Franchise
4. Determine the Structuring of your Franchise(s)
5. Analyze Employment Issues and Supplier Contracts

In any franchise there is a Franchisee and a Franchisor. The Franchisee is given permission to the use the Franchisors’ trademarks. In doing so the Franchisor collects a fee and has a significant amount of control in the operation and stake of the business. We at Opara Law PC have assisted both Franchisees and Franchisors with the preparation and counseling of franchise agreements and disclosure documents.

	Franchisor
	Start-Up Franchisor
	Established Franchisor
	Franchisees
	Cross Border & International Franchising

At Opara Law PC we provide legal counsel for both a start up franchisor and an established franchisor. At the base of your franchise it is imperative that you have sufficient disclosure documents and franchise agreements to ensure that you have the proper control and efficiency to effectively run and grow your business while avoiding future litigation conflicts.

 Back

How do you know if you are ready to start your own franchise?

Owning a successful business that would profit from an expansion is definitely a good starting point when considering franchising. Another key indication that your business might be ready for franchising is if you have a clientele that inquires about other locations, the possibility of other locations and/or if individuals are inquiring about obtaining a franchise. Even after analyzing your business and determining its suitableness for franchising, it is crucial that you proceed with caution. It is imperative that you have a franchise lawyer take the necessary precautions to protect your business and comply with franchise law regulations. Initially you will need a franchise lawyer to prepare disclosure documents and franchise agreements, both of which must correctly reflect your business and comply with franchise laws. These beginning steps will create the underpinnings for your business and the success of its franchise system.

At Opara Law PC we can provide you with all the necessary stability and guidance needed to create your successful franchise.

 Back

Creating a Franchise is the first step, but it takes a dedicated owner and an effective franchise lawyer to help maintain and guide it as it grows and prospers. The higher the number of franchises you create, the greater the importance to manage and revise according to your businesses needs. Majority of revisions will be done to disclosure documents and franchise agreements. Opara Law PC can help design and utilize termination strategies for any conflicts that may arise with franchisees. Opara Law PC can also help you solve conflicts with franchisees by using mediation, arbitration, and other ADR methods. Further, if you control real estate, our firm can help you arrange lease terms with present and future landlords to ensure your rights are protected.

 Back

Investing your money into a franchise is a serious investment. It requires a great deal of deliberation and dedication even for an experienced entrepreneur. Owning a franchise is significantly different than owning your own non-franchise business. Investing your hard earned money in an experienced franchise lawyer is the best way to protect yourself. At Opara Law PC we will help you understand the Franchise Agreement and Franchise Disclosure documents. It is crucial that you clearly comprehend these documents before you obligate yourself to them as they are intended to benefit the franchisor. Opara Law PC will not only help you understand these documents, but we will also assist you in amending them to add additional rights to you as a franchisee which will benefit and protect you and your new investment.

 Back

At Opara Law PC we can help foreign companies expand and establish their franchises in the Canadian market and vice versa. Canadian franchising laws are slightly less restrictive, but none the less they require the attention of an experienced franchising lawyer.

Opara Law PC can help your company enter a foreign market through the following ways:

• Establish Entry
• Assist in breaking down and organizing tax issues
• Clarify Competition laws
• Protect your trade-mark and intellectual property
• Ensure your franchise is compliant with privacy legislation
• Ensure your franchise is compliant with Canadian Franchising law

 Back