Clear, commercial and decisive advice for franchisors and franchisees when disputes arise.
Franchising relationships are built on trust, consistency and the strength of the brand. When disputes arise, they can escalate quickly and place both the commercial relationship and the wider network at risk. Our franchise disputes team advises franchisors and franchisees on resolving conflicts efficiently, strategically and with a clear focus on protecting long‑term value where needed. We recognise that time, cost and management focus are finite resources and that clients do not want to spend more than is necessary on disputes. We frequently assist clients by providing early advice before a dispute arises to help our clients understand their contractual rights and obligations.
We are experienced litigators with a strong track record in contentious franchising matters, combining technical litigation expertise with an understanding of how franchise systems operate in practice. We are experienced in resolving disputes and supporting our clients through Alternative Dispute Resolution where appropriate. Our dispute team includes Partners Lynsey Smith and Michael Axe who have been recognised in the Legal 500 for Commercial Litigation and Franchising.
Key services
We advise across the full spectrum of franchising disputes, acting for both franchisors and franchisees, including:
- Providing initial advice on contractual obligations and enforcement before a dispute arises
- Breach of franchise agreements and enforcement of contractual obligations
- Misrepresentation claims arising from franchise sales
- Injunctions and urgent applications (including brand protection and restrictive covenants)
- Dealing with persistently underperforming franchisees
- Termination disputes and exit strategies
- Protecting and enforcing intellectual property rights (IPR)
- Claims for specific performance and declaratory relief
- Franchisee group actions and multi‑party disputes
- Mediation, Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and negotiated settlements
- Disputes with third parties, including for example suppliers
Our advice is pragmatic and commercially focused. Where litigation is unavoidable, we act decisively. Where disputes can be resolved earlier, we help clients to achieve proportionate outcomes that aim to protect the brand, the relationship and the wider franchise network.
Work highlights of our team
- Acting for a large gym chain on disputes with franchisees including claims for breach of contract, misrepresentation and specific performance.
- Representing a Claimant franchisor of health clubs in High Court proceedings for breach of contract, specific performance and final declaratory (injunctive) relief.
- Representing a multi-unit franchisee in a breach of contract claim with third party suppliers.
- Acting for a food & beverage franchisor in relation to various disputes with franchisees over performance management issues.
- Acting for a home improvements franchisor in relation to various disputes with franchisees over breaches of franchise agreements.
- Acting for franchisees in claims against franchisors over unsupported pre-contractual financial projections in misrepresentation claims.
- Acting in respect of a shareholder dispute between the owners of a healthcare franchisee business.
- Acting for franchisors in relation to disputes over misuse of intellectual property.
- Acting for an alleged shadow director in a multi-million High Court misrepresentation claim in relation to a franchise business.
