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

Penny Ward
S
Penny Ward
S
Senior Statespeople

Penny Ward is based in Melbourne and is a revered figure in the franchising space. She regularly handles international transactions.

She has been a powerhouse in the area for decades.

Will K Woods
1
Will K Woods
1
Band 1

Will Woods is a leading practitioner who is noted for his skills in transactions. His sector expertise covers food and beverages, hotel and leisure.

He is a top practitioner of franchise law. A strategic thinker and an expert.

Kevin Maher
3
Kevin Maher
3
Band 3

Kevin Maher handles a range of franchising work and is experienced in advising on international transactions. He is based in the firm's Dallas office.

Top notch practitioner and very helpful in terms of encouraging us to think things through.

Kevin is fantastic to work with. We trust him, his guidance, and his ability to provide commercially-savvy advice that helps us drive toward our goals while mitigating risk.

Abhishek Dube
U
Abhishek Dube
U
Up and Coming

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

Strong cross-border acumen - we have a lot of trust in his grasp of international franchising laws.

Ranked Lawyers at
Baker McKenzie

Provided by Chambers
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Band

Global Market Leaders

Franchising

Penny Ward
S
Penny Ward
S
Senior Statespeople
Will K Woods
1
Will K Woods
1
Band 1
Kevin Maher
3
Kevin Maher
3
Band 3
Abhishek Dube
U
Abhishek Dube
U
Up and Coming

Members

Provided by Baker McKenzie