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Is This a Franchise, or Not?
One of the challenges commonly facing franchise lawyers is that there are several definitions of the term “franchise.” Regardless of whether the parties intend to establish a franchise relationship, if the relationship legally is deemed a “franchise,” certain federal and state laws may apply. However, the definition of “franchise” often varies from statute to statute, and it may be difficult to determine whether a particular statute applies.
For example, one of the typical definitional elements of a franchise for purposes of franchise registration law is that the franchisor must prescribe or suggest a marketing plan to the franchisee. On the other hand, under many of the franchise relationship laws, which govern franchisor's obligations upon termination of franchisee rights under the franchise relationship (among other issues), a critical definitional element of the term “franchise” often is that there must be a “community of interest” between the franchisor and franchisee. This is true under many of the general franchise relationship laws, and is also an element of a franchise under relationship laws governing specific industries.
To add to the challenge, unfortunately, often these definitional elements are vague and undefined, making it most difficult to determine whether a particular relationship will be deemed a franchise.
Major Differences In UK, U.S. Copyright Laws
This article highlights how copyright law in the United Kingdom differs from U.S. copyright law, and points out differences that may be crucial to entertainment and media businesses familiar with U.S law that are interested in operating in the United Kingdom or under UK law. The article also briefly addresses contrasts in UK and U.S. trademark law.
Strategy vs. Tactics: Two Sides of a Difficult Coin
With each successive large-scale cyber attack, it is slowly becoming clear that ransomware attacks are targeting the critical infrastructure of the most powerful country on the planet. Understanding the strategy, and tactics of our opponents, as well as the strategy and the tactics we implement as a response are vital to victory.
The Article 8 Opt In
The Article 8 opt-in election adds an additional layer of complexity to the already labyrinthine rules governing perfection of security interests under the UCC. A lender that is unaware of the nuances created by the opt in (may find its security interest vulnerable to being primed by another party that has taken steps to perfect in a superior manner under the circumstances.
Removing Restrictive Covenants In New York
In Rockwell v. Despart, the New York Supreme Court, Third Department, recently revisited a recurring question: When may a landowner seek judicial removal of a covenant restricting use of her land?