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Bankruptcy Code Amendments Alter Franchise Case Strategies

By Craig Tractenberg and Richad C. Pedone
November 28, 2006

The substantial amendments made by the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005 (BAPCPA) to the Bankruptcy Code have had a significant impact on the dynamics of franchisee bankruptcies. The BAPCPA was generally intended to accelerate Chapter 11 'reorganizations' and provide relief to certain constituencies in the bankruptcy process (eg, landlords). This article focuses on the nuances of the BAPCPA's impact in franchisee bankruptcy cases.

'Simple' Franchise Relationships Often Contain Complex Legal Structures

The franchisor-franchisee relationship is not one of simple debtor-creditor. Generally, franchisees pay their franchisor an initial franchise fee and ongoing royalties. These royalties may be based on a percentage of sales, or charged when the franchisee buys products by or through the franchisor. In return, the franchisor authorizes the franchisee to operate the franchised business under the trademark of the franchisor, and authorizes/mandates the use of the franchisor's licensed business methods or systems. Additionally, franchisors often provide training, assistance and/or confidential marketing plans to the franchisee.

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