Do You Need a Lawyer to Franchise Your Business?
A friend texted me this the other day:
“Hey… random question… do I actually need a lawyer to franchise my business?”
Short answer?
Yes.
Long answer? Also yes.
It’s More Than Just Paperwork
Franchising comes with some serious legal requirements.
You’re not just giving someone the right to use your logo — you’re entering a long-term business relationship, with rules, rights, and responsibilities on both sides.
To do that legally, you need two key things:
A Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD)
A Franchise Agreement
Both are long. Both are specific. And both need to be done right.
A Good Lawyer = A Strong Foundation
The FDD isn’t just some form you download online.
It’s detailed. Regulated. Reviewed by state agencies in some cases.
It covers:
Fees
Territory
Training
Support
Legal history
Financial performance (if you’re including it)
And the Franchise Agreement? That’s the contract that protects everyone.
You want that done by a pro.
Some States Have Extra Rules
Here’s something not everyone realizes:
Some states require that you register your franchise before you can even start selling.
Others require that you file a notice or exemption.
And the list of which states fall into which category? It changes.
A good franchise attorney will walk you through it all — so you don’t accidentally break a rule and get stuck.
Please Don’t DIY This
There are parts of your business you can figure out as you go.
This is not one of them.
Trying to franchise without a lawyer is like building a house with no foundation.
Even if it looks good on the outside, it won’t hold.
This is one of those moments where the upfront investment saves you time, stress, and possibly thousands of dollars down the road.
So… Do You Need a Lawyer to Franchise Your Business?
Yes. 100%.
They’ll help you stay compliant.
They’ll help you protect your brand.
They’ll help you set expectations — clearly and legally — for every franchisee who joins you.
Franchising is exciting.
It’s also a serious legal commitment.
Get someone in your corner who knows what they’re doing.
You’ll thank yourself later.
*This is not an offer to sell a franchise. Franchise offerings are made only through the delivery of a Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD)*
