IP/Tech Buzz
Attorneys
Chuck is an experienced and active participant in the franchise legal community. For over three decades, he has worked with franchisors and manufacturers on the business aspects of franchising and distribution. Chuck was the first practicing attorney in the Midwest to be designated a Certified Franchise Executive by the Institute of Franchise Executives and is also recognized as a leader in the franchise field by Chambers USA, Best Lawyers,® Who’s Who of International Franchise Lawyers and Minnesota Law & Politics Super Lawyers..® Bar Admissions Minnesota, 1977 U.S. Federal Court Professional Associations & Memberships Governing Committee, American Bar Association Forum on Franchising, 2001-2007; Financial Officer, 2001-2007 Program chair, 2004 American Bar Association Forum on Franchising, Vancouver, British Columbia Strategic Advisory Board, International Institute for Franchise Education at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 2003-2004 International Franchise Association: Legal/Legislative Committee, 1985 - present; Franchise Relations Committee, 1995 - 2002 Board Member, International Franchise Association, Council of Franchise Suppliers, 1995-2001 Board of Advisors, Franchise Management Institute, University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, Minnesota, 1990 - 2002 Franchise Law Journal (American Bar Association), Topics and Articles Editor, 1995-1996; Associate Editor, 1997-1998 Larkin Hoffman Daly & Lindgren Ltd.: Chair, Franchise Group; Board of Directors, 1992-1996; 1998-2004; Chief Financial Officer, 1986-1990 Education University of Florida College of Law, Gainesville, FL, 1977 J.D.; Law Review: Managing Editor, University of Florida Law Review, 1975 - 1977 Honors: High Honors, Order of the Coif University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 1974 B.S. in Broadcasting Certifications Designated Certified Franchise Executive by the Institute of Certified Franchise Executives, 2002 Certified Commercial Arbitrator, American Arbitration Association, 2000 Honors Leader in Franchise Law - Chambers USA, 2008-2010 Best Lawyers in America,® Franchise Law, 2007-2011 Legal Eagle, Top Franchise Lawyers in the U.S. and Canada, Franchise Times, 2006-2010 International Who's Who of Franchise Lawyers, 2000-2010 International Who's Who of Business Lawyers, 2002-2010 Super Lawyer,® Minnesota Law & Politics magazine, 2001-2010 Top 100 Lawyers, 2008, 2010 Super Lawyer,® Super Lawyers Corporate Counsel Edition, Franchise & Distribution, 2008-2010 |
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Franchisor Saves Market, Protects Customer List From Competitor
A franchisor client contacted Larkin Hoffman after it received a letter from one of its largest multi-unit franchisees, indicating they were closing all their stores, and demanding a six figure payment to protect from having more than 10,000 customer names and information delivered to a competitor.
Franchisor Restructures Its National Franchise Program
Larkin Hoffman's franchise team advised a client with a long-standing, nationwide franchise system in restructuring its franchise program when it was acquired by a Fortune 500 company. Throughout the conversion process, the team also assisted the client in dealing with existing franchisees’ issues and concerns, with the objective of minimizing disputes, and maximizing franchisee buy-in to the new program.
Court Grants Franchisor’s Motion to Dismiss Lawsuit and Enforces Contractual Mediation Provision
Despite both mandatory mediation and binding arbitration provisions in its franchise agreement, an existing franchisee brought suit in California state court seeking both damages and injunctive relief against a franchisor client.
Protection of Franchisor Confidential Information
A national franchisor contacted Larkin Hoffman when their Minneapolis franchisee ceased operations and transferred customer records to a competitor.
Negotiation of Cooperative Turnover Agreement
Larkin Hoffman negotiates a cooperative turnover agreement between a franchisor and its lender.
Negotiation of New Agreements with Master Franchisees
Larkin Hoffman negotiates agreements to repurchase master franchisees.
Mediation Between Franchisor and Multi-Unit Franchisee
Larkin Hoffman mediates an agreement between a multi-unit franchisee and its franchisor following the franchisee’s defection from the system.
Converted Licenses to a Franchise Program
Larkin Hoffman assists a client in converting licenses to a franchise program.
FTC Franchise Rule Enforcement
Larkin Hoffman assists a client in FTC Franchise Rule enforcement action.
Negotiation of Business Sale
Larkin Hoffman negotiates and closes a 27 percent increase on a multi-million dollar business sale.
Acquisition of Franchise System
Larkin Hoffman represents a client interested in identifying and acquiring a franchise system in a specific industry.
Food Concept Expansion in Major Hotel System
Larkin Hoffman represented a major hotel system in negotiating an agreement with a European food concept to place restaurants in the clients’ hotels.
