Georgia Franchise Disclosure Documents Lawyer

If you are preparing to franchise your business, one of the most important legal documents you will need is the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD). This document outlines everything a prospective franchisee needs to know before signing a contract, such as fees, obligations, financial performance data, and more.

Working with a knowledgeable Georgia franchise disclosure documents lawyer could ensure your FDD complies with the law and is tailored to your unique business. Franchise.Law is dedicated to helping you grow your business through franchising. Our legal services for franchisors are designed to guide you through the process, from initial planning to legal compliance.

Why Do Franchise Disclosure Documents Matter?

Franchise disclosure documents are governed by the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) Amended Franchise Rule. This rule requires that franchisors provide the FDD to potential franchisees at least 14 days before signing any agreement or accepting fees.

A clear and well-drafted FDD serves several purposes:

It sets expectations for franchisees
It fulfills legal disclosure requirements
It helps protect you from legal disputes in the future
It demonstrates that your business is organized and professional

While Georgia is not a franchise registration state, it’s crucial to understand that if your franchise system does not involve a federally registered trademark, you might be subject to filings under Georgia’s Business Opportunity Law. Our attorneys can help you navigate these nuances, ensuring your Georgia franchise disclosure document is legally compliant and presents your offering in the best possible light while minimizing risk.

What to Expect in Your FDD: A Franchisor’s Guide

The FDD must include 23 specific items that provide comprehensive information about your franchise opportunity. Our FDD attorneys specialize in crafting these sections to meet federal standards and effectively communicate your offering to prospective franchisees.

Franchisor Background

This includes information about the franchisor and its corporate structure, the business experience of the franchisor’s executives and management team, litigation history, and bankruptcy history.

Fees & Financial Information

This includes the upfront fees a franchisee must pay, recurring royalty fees, other occasional fees, an estimated total initial investment, available financing options, compliant financial performance representations (FPRs), and your audited financial statements.

Franchisee Obligations & Restrictions

This includes obligations and restrictions regarding the sourcing of goods and services, a summary of the franchisee’s legal obligations, the obligation to be involved in daily operations, restrictions on products or services, and the legal rights of the franchisee.

Franchisor Support & System Information

This includes the assistance the franchisor provides, territory definitions, and a summary of your existing franchised and company-owned outlets.

Intellectual Property & Legal Documents

This includes information regarding your trademarks, the franchise’s other intellectual property, any public figure involvement, all required contracts, and franchisee receipts.

Our attorneys can help draft your Georgia franchise disclosure document to make sure each item is included and meets the standards for compliance.

What to Expect When Working With an FDD Attorney

A franchise FDD attorney assists you with the drafting, reviewing, and maintaining your franchise disclosure documents in compliance with federal law and Georgia law. Working with Franchise.Law gives you the benefit of ensuring you understand your documents and how they support your business. We can review documents you already have or develop them from scratch. Either way, our goal is to make sure that they are compliant and in line with your vision for your brand.

You can expect:

Custom language for each of the 23 Items required in the FDD, including a solid Franchise Agreement and all state addenda in the Exhibits to the FDD
A Multi-Unit Development Agreement or Area Development Agreement if you intend to offer franchisees the right to develop multiple franchises
Ongoing updates to your FDD as your franchise system evolves and as required for compliance with federal and state laws
Support with securing or managing your intellectual property portfolio
Guidance on structuring your franchise fee, royalties, and other financial terms
A thorough review of your business model to determine what must be disclosed

We work with franchisors anywhere in the United States, although our firm is based in North Carolina. We are not licensed to practice law in Georgia, but we serve clients under the multi-jurisdictional practice rules that allow representation in legal matters governed by federal law (like franchise regulation).

Speak With a Georgia Franchise Disclosure Documents Attorney Today

If you need help with the preparation or review of disclosure documents for your business, a Georgia franchise disclosure documents lawyer from our firm can provide assistance. We take a family and client-centered approach. One of our goals as a firm is to build lasting relationships and provide invaluable guidance. Part of that includes operating with total transparency in billing and thorough communication at every stage. We have the knowledge and experience to ensure that your business remains compliant with both federal and state standards as well.

Let's Get Started!

The attorneys at Franchise.Law are dedicated to providing your business with the knowledge and insight you need to get through the franchising process. Filling out the information below will help us get to know your business concerns, and how we can help.

I am a Franchisor

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What is the name of your franchise?*

What state is your franchise based in?*

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How many franchisees are based in your franchise system?*

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I own a business and want to franchise

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Where are you in the franchising process?*

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I’m looking at buying a franchise

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Franchise dispute

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