Franchising and Franchised Development Agreements
In the complex and rapidly evolving world of franchise law, it is important to have the experience of a seasoned attorney. Having spent 20 years in the practice of franchise law, Attorney Godfrey is positioned to guide you through the mine fields that accompany starting up, or buying into, a franchise system.
As Corporate Counsel for TGI Fridays, Attorney Godfrey was a key player in the successful expansion of their franchise model both domestically and internationally. In private practice, he has provided counsel and support to both the entrepreneurs who want to expand their successful concepts through franchising and those who want to take a leap into owning their own business as the franchisee of a proven business model.
Since the 1990s, Attorney Godfrey has maintained his membership in the American Bar Association Forum on Franchising, which is the preeminent forum for the study and discussion of the legal aspects of franchising. Their annual meetings provide intensive programs hosted by first-rate speakers addressing recent legal developments and current business challenges. In addition, he is able to exchange information with the top practitioners in this field, and receives regular updates on the latest developments from the Franchise Law Journal and The Franchise Lawyer.
In creating a franchise system, Attorney Godfrey can guide you through the many complex federal and state laws affecting the creation of a sellable system. His collaborative support in drafting the federal and state disclosure documents, franchise agreement and myriad of related contracts provide your best protection.
For those interested in buying a franchise, Attorney Godfrey assists in evaluating the franchisor's ability to provide the business methods and support necessary to achieve success, provides insight into what is expected of a franchisee, and helps to understand what potential pitfalls may be encountered.
Either pathway is an expensive undertaking that calls for experienced professional advice and guidance. In order to protect this significant investment, equip yourself with the expertise that can be the key in guiding you to success.