Looking to start a franchise or need help handling the legal aspect of being a franchisee? Contact an Oregon franchise lawyer from FortmanSpann, LLC today so we can get started working on your case.
Franchise Lawyer | Proudly Representing Franchisees in the State of Oregon
Franchisees deserve competent legal advocates in their corner who will efficaciously safeguard their interests at every turn. FortmanSpann, LLC provides franchisee clients in Oregon with the gamut of legal services, including:
Starting Your Oregon Franchise
If you’re looking to start a franchise in the state of Oregon, you have a lot to consider. Just some of the most important things for you to keep in mind are as follows:
Franchise laws in Oregon. Oregon does not require franchisors to register or file their franchise disclosure documents (FDDs) with the state, unlike some other states. However, Oregon does have laws that protect franchisees from unfair or deceptive practices by franchisors, such as ORS Chapter 650. These laws cover various issues, such as:
- The disclosure of material information by the franchisor before the sale of a franchise
- The prohibition of certain terms and conditions in the franchise agreement
- The grounds and procedures for terminating or renewing a franchise
- The compensation and indemnification of franchisees for warranty service, recalls, or damages
- The rights and obligations of franchisees regarding transfers, successors, or death
- The enforcement of good faith and fair dealing principles
Franchise disclosure document (FDD). The FDD is a document that the franchisor must provide to you at least 14 days before you sign a franchise agreement or pay any money. The FDD contains important information about the franchisor, the franchise system, the costs and fees, the obligations and restrictions, the financial performance, and the legal history of the franchise.
Franchise agreement. This is a contract that defines the rights and responsibilities of both parties in the franchise relationship. It specifies the terms and conditions of the franchise, such as:
- The duration and renewal of the franchise
- The territory and exclusivity of the franchise
- The initial and ongoing fees and royalties
- The training and support provided by the franchisor
- The standards and specifications for operating the franchise
- The advertising and marketing obligations and contributions
- The quality control and inspection procedures
- The dispute resolution and termination clauses
Franchise costs. Buying a franchise involves various costs and expenses that you should be prepared to pay. These include:
- The initial franchise fee, which is a one-time payment for joining the franchise system
- The initial investment, which covers the costs of setting up and opening your franchise location, such as equipment, inventory, leasehold improvements, licenses, permits, etc.
- The ongoing fees, which are recurring payments for using the franchisor’s trademarks, systems, support, etc., such as royalties, advertising fees, service fees, etc.
- The additional costs, which are variable expenses that depend on your business operations, such as rent, utilities, payroll, taxes, insurance, maintenance, etc.
Contact FortmanSpann, LLC Today
Don’t make the mistake of hiring just any lawyer to represent you when it comes to managing legal issues surrounding your franchise. Hire a dedicated Oregon franchise lawyer from FortmanSpann, LLC. We are here to walk you through every step of the process ahead.
