

It’s a legally binding document that spells out—in great detail— the integrated touch points of running the business from the franchisor and franchisee point of view. If you think of a franchisor (the brand) as a License and the franchisee (individual owner) as the Licensee, this contract establishes each one’s rights and obligations.
The purpose of utilizing a Franchise Agreement is a simple proposition to comprehend. This legal document is designed to balance the needs of the franchisor in protecting its intellectual property--while at the same time, ensuring consistency in how each of its franchisees operates as collective representatives of the brand.
From our point of view, it is highly advisable to provide yourself with legal representation when reviewing a Franchise Agreement. Due diligence is the responsibility of the licensee in this case, and it is extremely important for potential franchisees to understand every aspect of the mutually beneficial relationship spelled out in the document.
Relationship
The contract will define the two parties entering the agreement, who owns the intellectual property, and the obligations of the franchisee to operate according to the brand’s expectations
Duration
The length of the relationship, which can vary based on the brand, its territory and expansion goals
Initial franchise fee and associated costs
Franchisees will pay a set initial franchise fee, most likely royalties and possibly other associated costs—all of which must be listed
Territory
Where the licensee is authorized to operate the franchise, whether or not it is protected (no competition) and the precise boundaries
Site selection and development
Franchisees are typically responsible for site selection, pending approval and assistance from the franchisor
Training and support
Franchisors will detail what they provide the franchisee in terms of training prior to opening the business and the level of ongoing support
IP
How a franchisee is permitted to utilize the brand’s intellectual property
Marketing/Advertising
If applicable, the commitment franchisees must make to cooperative funds for the purpose of promotion
Insurance
The minimum insurance policy a franchisee must carry to operate the franchise
Records
Bookkeeping required by the franchisor and its’ right to auditing of information
Miscellaneous
May include instructions or expectations of a franchisee's successor rights, default, termination, indemnification, dispute resolution, resale rights, transfer rights, and other assorted notification processes
As you may notice, there are several commonalities that you might find in any type of legally binding contract. The franchise agreement should be carefully reviewed with professional legal representation. We advise that if you don’t understand a particular point, always make it a point to ask questions until you understand.
FranNet assists individuals with the entire franchise process – from franchising an existing business to purchasing or selling a franchise. FranNet is committed to providing continuous marketing, business and operational support so that they may be looked upon as the most knowledgeable, professional and successful franchise consultants in the industry.
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Funded, in part, through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. All opinions, and/or recommendations expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA.