Today, we welcome guest author Elizabeth G. Hodgson from our Exton, PA office. Elizabeth represents clients in a variety of industries, including food and beverage, Pennsylvania liquor licensing, startup and growth stage companies, hospitality, real estate, technology and financial services. Today, she describes how an upcoming ruling from the U.S. Supreme Court could impact the
Sign Me Up! How To Waive the Notary Requirement for International Franchisors
International franchisors inbound into the U.S. face a complex set of business decisions and legal regulations. Even seemingly simple tasks–like properly executing a franchise registration application–can become a time-consuming and expensive endeavor (especially where the franchisor does not have an authorized signatory in the U.S.). Knowing how and when to request waivers can save time
FDA releases new guidance on menu labeling rule
The Trump administration is moving forward with an Obama-era initiative requiring certain food establishments to list calorie information on menus and menu boards, including food on display and self-service food. The FDA recently released new draft recommendations to help affected businesses comply with
At the buzzer: FDA (again) extends compliance deadline for menu labeling rules
Just four days shy of the enforcement deadline, the FDA extended the date for restaurants and similar retail food establishments to comply with its menu labeling rule. The rule was originally published on December 1, 2014 and requires certain food establishments to list calorie
Enforcement is on the Menu: May 5, 2017 is the Deadline to Comply with Menu Labeling Rules
Over two years ago, on December 1, 2014, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) published a food labeling rule requiring “chain” restaurants and similar retail food establishments to list calorie information on menus and menu boards, including food on display and self-service food
Dodging another legal patchwork: Congress approves permanent Internet tax ban
The Senate recently joined the House in approving a permanent ban on state and local governments taxing Internet access. The White House has indicated that President Barack Obama intends to sign the measure into law.
By a vote of 75-20, the Senate passed H.R.
Joint employer claims move forward against hotel franchisor in sexual servitude suit
Browning-Ferris based claims against hotel franchisor Marriott International Incorporated (“Marriott”) will move forward, according to an Illinois federal court. The suit seeks to hold Marriott liable as a joint employer for the actions of its franchisee’s employee–a hotel assistant manager who allegedly coerced housekeepers into sexual “servitude.” Invoking the NLRB’s recent decision in Browning-Ferris Industries
Adding a dash of clarity: Ontario releases menu labeling law regulations
The Ontario government has released highly anticipated draft regulations under the recently enacted Healthy Menu Choices Act (the “Act”) that clarify the Act’s menu labeling requirements. Still, uncertainties remain – for franchisors in particular.
The Act was passed on May 26, 2015, but it does not take effect until January 1, 2017. In the meantime,
Making SBA loans safer for franchisees…by mandating FPR’s?
Each time franchisors update their franchise disclosure documents (“FDD”), they have a choice: whether or not to include financial performance representations (“FPR”). A new bill introduced by Representative Keith Ellison (D-MN) makes the choice much easier…by taking it away…at least for some franchisors. The SBA Franchise Loan Transparency Act of 2015 (the “Act”) would make
The third party to your franchise agreement: Congress?
“It is the purpose of this Act to . . . govern franchise agreements . . . to the full extent consistent with the Constitution of the United States . . . .”
The Fair Franchise Act of 2015 (the “Act”) makes a lot of promises: it will promote fair business relations, protect franchisees, and