Franchising

Franchising in Canada is fast-paced, competitive and full of opportunity. The Aird & Berlis Franchising Group provides the legal expertise and strategic guidance businesses need to enter the market, expand across jurisdictions and lead with confidence.

We provide full-service legal support to franchisors, franchisees, multi-unit operators, licensors, distributors and private equity firms investing in the franchising sector. Our lawyers have represented some of the world’s most recognized franchise brands and regularly assist both domestic and international clients on all aspects of Canadian franchise law.

Our Franchising Group helps franchisors unlock the full potential of their franchise systems and position themselves as leaders in a competitive and evolving marketplace. We understand that franchising success requires strategic legal foresight, operational agility and a clear strategy for managing the franchisor-franchisee relationship. We work closely with franchisors at every stage of the franchise lifecycle, offering proactive guidance on system development, restructuring, dispute resolution and compliance with Canada’s complex and shifting disclosure regimes.

Whether entering the Canadian market, scaling across jurisdictions or maintaining compliance, we offer tailored, business-oriented advice that aligns with your growth objectives. Our team supports franchisors by seamlessly coordinating experts in tax, real estate and leasing, corporate/commercial, employment, litigation and dispute resolution and intellectual property law.

Our core services include:

• Franchise System Development: Advising on structure, business model and legal documentation, including franchise, area development and master franchise agreements.
• Disclosure & Compliance: Preparing and updating disclosure documents in accordance with provincial franchise legislation.
• Franchise Agreements: Preparing and updating franchise agreements and ancillary documents.
• Cross-Border Expansion: Supporting international brands entering Canada, including document localization and regulatory guidance.
• Transactional Support: Advising on the purchase, sale, financing, restructuring and private equity investment of franchise systems and units.
• Dispute Resolution & Litigation: Representing clients in disputes involving termination, non-competes, misrepresentation, rescission and good faith, while negotiating settlements to avoid litigation and protect brand reputation.
• IP Strategy: Protecting core brand assets through trademark, trade secret and copyright support.
• Regulatory & Sectoral Advice: Guidance on privacy, consumer protection, advertising, food safety, bilingual packaging and Quebec-specific rules.
• Commercial Leasing: Assisting with site selection, lease negotiations and real estate development.
• Employment & HR: Advising on mitigating joint employer concerns, structuring franchise relationships and ensuring compliance with employment standards.
• Marketing & Promotions: Advising on advertising compliance, gift cards, contests and customer loyalty programs.
  

The Aird & Berlis Franchising team includes prominent members of the franchise bar and brings decades of combined experience on structuring franchise arrangements for growth. We provide practical, strategic advice informed by years of client-side experience, which provides a perspective that many law firms simply cannot offer. Whether you're launching, growing or transforming your franchise system, we’re here to help you lead with confidence.