United Kingdom: Franchising

From WhatsApp messages that accidentally create binding obligations, commonly used phrases having more meaning than may be appreciated and legislative changes affecting NDAs...

Court rulings on franchise agreements don't come round very often, but a recent High Court judgment will be of interest to franchisors and franchisees...

This article will explain which types of businesses are franchisable and the ideal qualities your business should have before franchising.

The UK's Intellectual Property Court ruled that Metro's fast food chicken brand and its franchisees infringed Morley's trademarks, causing consumer confusion. The court found Metro's owner liable for the infringements, also breaching a 2018 settlement agreement.

On June 10, Morley's Ltd. — South London's iconic fried chicken franchise — emerged victorious in a trademark infringement action in the Intellectual Property Enterprise Court of the High Court of Justice of England and Wales...

When expanding your business, consider agency, distribution, or franchising models. Each offers varying levels of control and risk. Agencies provide supplier control, distribution reduces costs but limits control, and franchising leverages local knowledge but requires investment.

Expanding a franchise system into other countries is often a great opportunity for franchisors to reach untapped markets and grow their brands.

The enforceability of non-compete restrictions after an agency, distribution, or franchise agreement has come to an end can be an important factor in deciding how to proceed in many situations.

The new UK and EU competition law regimes for all types of distribution agreements (including franchises) came into force on 1 June 2022.