Franchising has become a very specialized area of the law where there is no substitute for experience. It is a highly regulated form of distribution in which law and business are blended. In franchising, as well as in some other methods of distribution, both federal and state law come into play both as to the establishment of a franchised system as well as to the ongoing relationship between the parties to the governing agreement. If a dispute does arise, counsel experienced in franchising, distribution and licensing can evaluate the case and represent the client in the most efficient and effective manner.
Bartko has over 40 years of experience in the fields of franchising, licensing and distribution. Most of our senior franchise attorneys have been certified as Legal Specialists in Franchise and Distribution Law by the State Bar of California’s Board of Legal Specialization. Several of our lawyers have been recently mentioned in the Who's Who Legal in its Franchise Law edition. Bartko regionally ranked in the first tier for Franchise Law and nationally ranked in the third tier for Franchise Law by the U.S. News – Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms” 2018 guide.
Bartko attorneys assist clients in the preparation and registration of franchise disclosure documents, including the drafting of franchise agreements and related documents, as well as Seller Assisted Marketing Plan (Business Opportunity) documents, exemption filings and ongoing legal compliance. We also assist clients with their continuing franchise law compliance as well as being available to participate in contract negotiations and in developing documents for franchise transfers, business sales and acquisitions, licensing arrangements and related transactions. Due to the firm’s other areas of expertise, we are also in a position to offer our clients advice on real estate transactions and counseling on general business matters.
Bartko has a nationally-recognized franchise litigation practice. The firm’s attorneys have represented clients in litigation, mediation and arbitration involving issues such as contract compliance, enforcement of operating standards, termination and breakaways, unfair competition, federal and state regulatory actions, trademark enforcement, antitrust claims, Franchise Investment Law issues, RICO actions, defense of fraud and other claims, premises and vicarious liability and general commercial disputes.
Bartko attorneys have authored numerous articles, are frequent speakers on franchise-related topics at bar associations and industry meetings and have served as expert witnesses on franchise and distribution issues.
Publications by our franchise attorneys:
“Case Law Highlights” by C. Griffith Towle and Charles G. Miller, Chapter 12, California Franchise Law and Practice, California Continuing Education of the Bar (2009, 2011 & 2013)
“Court Watch,” co-authored by Charles G. Miller, Franchising Business & Law Alert, Law Journal Newsletters (ALM) (Quarterly, 2005-2016)
