Frank is an associate in the Business Law and Franchise Law Groups.
He practises business law, with a focus on franchising, licensing, distribution and intellectual property. Frank also provides counsel on mergers and acquisitions, and general corporate, commercial and contractual matters.
Frank advises Canadian and international companies on all matters relating to franchising, licensing and distribution including structuring and expansion strategies, legal and regulatory issues, contract drafting and negotiation, intellectual property, and in particular, compliance with Canadian franchise disclosure legislation. Frank has worked with a broad range of product and service distribution and franchise companies, from local start-ups to international and global corporations, and in industries as diverse as retail, financial services, apparel, automotive, food services, software, commercial and residential services, hospitality, personal services, construction, health care, and others.
Frank strives to provide real-time and practical advice on Canadian franchise law, including on matters relating to the following:
· Drafting and updating of single form or multi-brand franchise agreements and franchise disclosure documents for area development, master franchising and other expansion programs
· Adaptation of foreign franchise documentation for use in Canada, including Québec
· Advising on the purchase and sale of individual franchises, and franchise systems as a whole
· Formulation and implementation of system-wide or unit-specific franchise disclosure strategies
· Advising on refranchising and buy-back transactions for franchise units
· Managing and advising on franchise disputes
Associations
· American Bar Association
· Canadian Bar Association
· Ontario Bar Association
Publications and Resources
Ending a Franchise Relationship
Renewal of a Franchise - Legal Considerations
In The News
02/05/2012, Frank Robinson Offers US Attorneys a Six-Step Guide to Franchise Expansion in Canada
06/22/2011, Ask the Experts: Frank Robinson Explains Royalties in Canadian Business Franchise Magazine
05/31/2011, Frank Robinson Comments on the Canadian Franchise Industry Boom in April's Profit Guide
06/16/2010, Frank Robinson's Q&A on Hiring a Franchise Lawyer in Franchise Entrepreneur Magazine
Presentations
10/22/2011, Frank Robinson Presents at CFA's Franchise Show
02/26/2011, Ask a Franchise Expert: Legal Expert Panel
02/26/2011, Questions Every Prospective Franchisee Should Ask Before They Buy
11/04/2010, Signing on the Dotted Line: Legal Issues In Acquiring a Franchise
10/21/2010, 10 Questions Every Prospective Franchisee Should Ask Before They Buy
Articles
Ending a Franchise Relationship, 10/22/2010
Renewal of a Franchise - Legal Considerations, 07/07/2010
Newsletter Articles
Manitoba's Franchises Act: Are You Ready?, 05/17/2012
Roll Out the Changes to Win: Court Grants Summary Judgment to Tim Hortons in Proposed Class Action, 05/17/2012
Federal Court Holds that Intellectual Property Rights Do Not Automatically Transfer in an Asset Sale, 02/08/2012
Reminder: New Brunswick's Franchise Law Became Effective on February 1, 2011, 02/09/2011
Are You and Your Franchise Disclosure Document Ready for 2011?, 12/03/2010
Newsletters
Franchise Law e-COMMUNIQUÉ - May 2012, 05/17/2012
Canadian Disclosure Laws Expand - Manitoba Franchise Law Becomes Effective on October 1, 2012, 03/29/2012
Roll Out the Changes to Win: Court Grants Summary Judgment to Tim Hortons in Proposed Class Action, 02/27/2012
Franchise Law e-COMMUNIQUÉ - February 2012, 02/08/2012
Franchise Law e-COMMUNIQUÉ - October 2011, 10/17/2011
Franchisors Should Remember Their Potential Disclosure Obligations When Dealing With Franchise Resales, 07/20/2011
Franchise Law e-COMMUNIQUÉ - May 2011, 05/12/2011
Franchise Law e-COMMUNIQUÉ - February 2011, 02/09/2011
Franchise Law Group e-LERT: Are you Ready? - New Brunswick Franchise Law Becomes Effective on February 1, 2011, 01/19/2011
Franchise Law e-COMMUNIQUÉ - December 2010, 12/03/2010