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FRANCHISOR PROBLEMS

You invested in a franchise and now you are having problems with your franchisor. Unfortunately, not every franchise relationship turns out to be a happy one. At Bundy & Fichter PLLC, we represent franchisees against franchisors in a number of disputes, including:

  • Territory encroachment: The franchisor gave the same territory to two different franchisees or puts another franchisee or a company store nearby that takes away a lot of your business.

  • Fraud in the inducement: The franchisor misrepresented or omitted important information to induce you to buy the franchise.

  • Illegal earnings claims: The franchisor claimed you were going to earn more money than their record would justify or gave you partial information that was deceptive.

  • Wrongful termination of the franchisee: The franchisor terminated your franchise without giving the required notice or a reasonable time to fix any problems.

  • Renewal denial: The franchisor refuses to renew the your contract after the original term in violation of the law.

Franchise agreements usually have arbitration clauses, which means disputes are resolved through the arbitration process. Bundy & Fichter PLLC handles the dispute resolution process, whether it involves negotiation, mediation, arbitration or litigation. The firm’s unique experience in representing both franchisors and franchisees gives them an edge in knowing how franchisors view the franchise relationship.

Franchisor Versus Franchisee Disputes

If you feel that you are being mistreated by the franchisor or the franchisor was not honest in selling you the franchise, follow these guidelines:

  • Find an experienced franchise lawyer.

  • Don’t threaten your franchisor with a lawyer.

  • Don’t write emails or letters about the situation to the franchisor before talking to your lawyer.

  • Gather and copy your documents and assume that you will suddenly be cut off from access to the franchisor’s computer system and everything it contains.

  • Write a narrative history of what has happened in a memo to your lawyer.

  • Keep detailed records of every communication and event.

  • Don’t delay — a limitation period could cut off your rights.

  • Don’t discuss the situation with anyone but your lawyer.

Discuss Your Dispute During A Free Consultation

If you are involved in a dispute with your franchiser, contact a well-practiced franchise dispute attorney at Bundy & Fichter PLLC. We serve clients throughout the Pacific Northwest and across the nation. Call our Washington office.