Phoenix, Arizona, Intellectual Property & Franchise Attorneys
Today's companies and individuals increasingly face the challenges and opportunities of the Information Age. CEOs and economists note that today's successful entrepreneurs and companies must handle information wisely, from the way it is distributed to the way it is developed. Perhaps most importantly, success may depend on how information is protected. We provide legal counsel to protect the brand name of franchises and the intellectual property of other businesses with our transactional and litigation expertise.
Franchising covers a wide range of businesses in a variety of industries. There are a vast number of informational sites that post franchise opportunities that may involve health care, dry cleaning, pizza, video or even garbage collection. Some franchises may be more traditional and retail or premised based while others may be mobile or even van based. Franchising may appeal to a potential Franchisor or Franchisee on a number of levels:
- Franchising may help a business expand more rapidly than by natural expansion.
- Many Franchisees find that the training, tools, ongoing support and materials associated with an existing brand name business offers more advantages than starting a business from scratch.
- Franchisee and Franchisor Representation: The Firm advises both Franchisees and Franchisors in a variety of matters including the proper protection of the intellectual property that is part of the Franchise identity.
Scope of Franchise Work.: Franchisees and Franchisors seek our assistance on a wide range of matters. These include:
- Litigation and Dispute Resolution. Franchises consist of a valuable and sometimes delicate relationship between Franchisee and Franchisor. We can assist at various stages of a growing franchise to assist in making the Franchise relationship one that is successful.
- Expanding a Business into a Franchise System. One of the biggest mistakes prospective franchisors can make is to go it alone and underestimate the expertise needed to set up a franchise system. It requires more than cut and pasting from form templates. Even the most business savvy entrepreneurs realise that a successful business may not translate into a successful franchise. Seeking professional counsel at the start to map out or prepare the necessary contracts or disclosure documents for a franchise system is a wise choice. With over 15 years of litigation and transactional experience for individuals and businesses in franchise, intellectual property and unfair competition matters, Peter Greenfeld's experience at some of the major California and Arizona firms allows him to provide potential Franchisors with "Big Firm" expertise at a more affordable rate.
- Purchasing a Franchise. The UFOC and Franchise Agreements governing most franchises can be quite complex. It is prudent to seek the advice and counsel of a franchise lawyer who is familiar with franchise documentation prior to making a major investment in a franchise. In addition to negotiation and litigation advice, Peter N. Greenfeld P.C. offers Arizona Franchisees a flat fee to review franchise agreements before they are signed or renewed. Alternatively, some franchisees opt for an initial consultation only for general guidance. Either way, seeking legal advice before any legal relationship is established between franchisee and franchisor is essential.
- Franchisee Representation after Franchise Purchase. Some Franchisees may require advice or assistance in interpretation of the Franchise Agreement or UFOC after having purchased the Franchise if a dispute arises or to resolve an issue before it occurs. Issues may arise relating to early or wrongful termination, default of the franchise agreement, encroachment, fraud and misrepresentation, royalty disputes, franchise non-competition, site selection or franchise renewal.
General IP Litigation: While the Firm focuses its practice primarily on Franchises and the unique aspects of Franchise representation, many of the intellectual property issues present in those businesses are also common in other businesses. We are a commercial litigation firm and also handle general litigation and intellectual property matters for non-Franchise businesses particularly with respect to those with an online presence.
Protect Your Intellectual Property.
- A business misses a deadline to renew its Web site and a competitor appropriates it, redirecting business to its own site
- An employee with trade secrets or other sensitive proprietary business information leaves a firm for a competitor
- An artist or writer creates a work and is concerned that his or her ownership of the work may not be clearly established
- A firm wishes to use an existing song, image or other work in its marketing materials, but is unsure how to secure legal permission
- A competing company's brochures or Web site uses colors and designs very similar to your business' name, logo, trademarked design or trade dress
Do you recognize yourself or your firm in these or similar scenarios? At the Law Office of Peter N. Greenfeld P. C., we understand the concerns of individuals and organizations that hold proprietary business information that is vital to the success and even survival of a business. Our lawyers can handle your intellectual property transaction and litigation legal needs or that of your firm, freeing you to manage your business.
Our attorneys have a combined 30 years of experience in protecting intellectual property. Our team also includes an attorney who is a former retail store owner and in-house intellectual property counsel for Fortune 500 companies. We understand your concerns and have the experience to handle your legal matter prudently and effectively.
Contact Us
Your intellectual property is valuable. It can provide a competitive edge and may even serve as the basis for your firm's daily business. It is important that your holdings are fully correctly protected by federal and state intellectual property law.
Contact us. We give lectures to area businesses on franchise matters, intellectual property law, and work with all types of firms, from individuals and small businesses to large companies and corporations. We can work to prevent competitors and others from using, copying or exploiting your intellectual property. We are conveniently located in Phoenix's Camelback Corridor, and can be reached at 602-954-2200.
Franchising is a key practice area of the firm. It requires knowledge of various intellectual property disciplines. These include protection of trade secrets, trade dress, as well as patent and copyright law. If you are a Franchisee or Franchisor, click here for more information on our franchise practice.
The Law Office of Peter N. Greenfeld P. C.
4500 North 32nd Street, Suite 109
Phoenix, AZ 85018
Phone: 602-954-2200
Fax 602-956-4232