About

Provided by Baker McKenzie

Our Global Franchise, Distribution & Brand Expansion team is recognized for their expertise in franchise transactions, acting for many of the largest franchise companies in the world on franchise, licensing and distribution matters in the US and almost every jurisdiction around the world. The team represents franchisors and other brand owners seeking to expand overseas and increase their global footprint, and franchisors based outside of the US in their inbound franchising efforts into the US. We are global leaders in the field of franchising and are active in industry and bar associations, with one of our partners being a Past Chair of the American Bar Association Forum on Franchising, the preeminent franchise legal organization in the world.

 

Our clients come from a wide range of industries: consumer goods and services, technology, healthcare, education and industrial. We have particular expertise in the hotel, restaurant, car rental, retail, entertainment and fashion sectors. Our work in the hotel and hospitality industries complements the expertise of our tourism practice group in hotel management agreements.

 

We work with our clients to find the structure that best suits their business in each sector and country, be it franchise, equity joint venture or company-owned units. The need to think commercially and creatively and avoid a "one size fits all" approach to global brand expansion is critical as international laws affecting brands continue to evolve.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Franchising - Global Market Leaders

1
Band 1

What the Team is Known For

Baker McKenzie is a top-tier firm with an international footprint stretching across all continents. The practice is spearheaded by an impressive Dallas team, with additional support from its Houston, Bangkok and Melbourne offices, for cross-border matters. The law firm offers:

• Substantial experience on both sides of franchising agreements.

• Advice on matters across a range of sectors, including the retail, hospitality, entertainment and food industries.

• Global coverage for its clients, advising on international expansion across multiple jurisdictions.

• Significant expertise in joint-employer regulation.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

S
Penny Ward
S
Senior Statespeople

Melbourne-based Penny Ward is a highly experienced practitioner in the field. She is best known for her work on international franchising transactions in the APAC region.

1
Will K Woods
1
Band 1

Will Woods is a top-tier lawyer who regularly works on complex franchising transactions. His expertise covers sectors such as food and beverages, hotel and leisure.

Will's contribution to the development of franchise law has been amazing.

4
Kevin Maher
4
Band 4

Kevin Maher is based in the firm's Dallas office. He handles a range of franchising work, including international transactions.

Kevin is very knowledgeable, responsive and commercial.

Kevin has this knack of simplifying even the most complicated of matters.

Kevin is great at leading different work streams across time zones and really consolidates our strategy.

U
Abhishek Dube
U
Up and Coming

Abishek Dube is an up-and-coming practitioner at Baker McKenzie who advises clients on international franchise matters including franchise expansion and regulatory work.

He's really thoughtful and also very practical in delivering his guidance.

Abhishek really excels in being a practical resource regarding critical business needs.

Ranked Lawyers at
Baker McKenzie

Provided by Chambers
Filter by
Band

Global Market Leaders

Franchising

S
Penny Ward
S
Senior Statespeople
1
Will K Woods
1
Band 1
4
Kevin Maher
4
Band 4
U
Abhishek Dube
U
Up and Coming

Members

Provided by Baker McKenzie