If you have been sued by your franchisor, you need an experienced attorney who is committed to committed to fighting for franchisees. Attorney Jeffrey M. Goldstein has spent the last 30 years representing franchisees in franchisor-franchisee litigation.
With over three decades of franchise law experience, attorney Jeffrey M. Goldstein is a committed advocate for franchisees in disputes with their franchisors. He knows what is at stake for franchise owners, and he understands that, in most cases, it is in franchisees’ best interests to resolve franchisor-initiated disputes as efficiently as possible. If you have been sued by your franchisor, Mr. Goldstein can help you understand your situation, he can help you understand the terms of your franchise agreement and the state and federal laws that apply to your situation, and he will execute a case strategy focused on securing the best possible outcome in light of the facts at hand.
Experienced Representation for Franchise Litigation
Breach and Default Litigation
Most franchisor-initiated litigation against active franchisees involves allegations of breach or default under the terms of the franchisee’s franchise agreement. Mr. Goldstein has experience in cases involving virtually all standard material franchise agreement provisions, and he is skilled at presenting arguments – both prior to and during trial – that effectively challenge franchisors’ claims for damages. Whether your franchisor’s allegations are unwarranted or you need to mitigate the consequences of a breach or default, Mr. Goldstein will take a strategic and cost-effective approach to protecting your financial interests.
Financial Disputes
It should come as no surprise that many franchisor-initiated lawsuits involve claims for unpaid royalties, advertising fees and other amounts due from their franchisees. While franchisors will attempt to make their claims for payment seem as straightforward as possible, the reality is that these cases are often highly complex, and both active and terminated franchisees will often have several defenses to avoid or mitigate liability.
Post-Termination Litigation
Along with claims for unpaid fees and “lost future royalties,” franchisors frequently initiate post-termination litigation under other theories as well. Mr. Goldstein has experience representing terminated franchisees in cases involving allegations of:
- Trademark and trade secret infringement
- Breach of restrictive covenants (i.e. covenants not to compete)
- Other post-termination violations
Territory Disputes
Territory disputes are common issues in franchisor-initiated litigation, and they often arise out of ambiguities in the language of the franchisor’s own franchise agreement. Mr. Goldstein routinely represents franchisees in exclusive and protected territory disputes involving allegations of encroachment, soliciting customers or selling outside of franchisees’ territories, and selling in franchisors’ reserved “alternative channels of distribution.”
Other Franchise-Related Lawsuits
In many cases, in addition to alleging violations of the franchise agreement, franchisors will assert claims under other legal theories. Mr. Goldstein handles both contract and tort litigation, and in his decades of experience he has seen it all when it comes to franchisors taking aggressive legal action against their franchisees.
Contact Us for a Free Initial Consultation
To speak with franchise attorney Jeffrey M. Goldstein about your case, schedule a free, no-obligation consultation at the Goldstein Law Firm. With offices in Washington D.C., we represent franchisees throughout the United States and worldwide. Call (202) 293-3947 or get in touch online now.
