Franchising
Canada Guide 2025 : Nationwide - Canada
Band 3
About
Provided by Dentons Canada LLP
Dentons’ franchising practice comprises a global, multi-disciplinary team of legal and industry experts trained in all areas of franchising, licensing and distribution. Our full-service platform allows us to incorporate related practices, such as: corporate/M&A, tax, IP, real estate, employment, privacy, consumer protection and other areas, as needed, to comprehensively advise clients through all stages of a franchise life cycle – from company creation and corporate governance, to obtaining and protecting intellectual property, to strategic expansion and exits, and effective dispute resolution. We are a fully integrated global franchise practice offering seamless round-the-world, round-the-clock services everywhere our clients do, and want to do, business.
We have experience in tackling all the relevant legal issues you may encounter, from compliance with applicable franchise disclosure laws, drafting of strong unit, area and master franchise agreements, protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights and system standards, defence of joint-employer, misrepresentation and bad faith claims, compliance with consumer protection, data and privacy obligations, ecommerce and marketing and advertising standards, and associated risk management strategies all designed to allow you to focus on what you do best—the operation and growth of your business - with the peace of mind of knowing your legal and business interests are being protected.
Chambers Review
Dentons has a well-reputed franchising law team primarily based in Toronto with experience across a wide array of franchising matters in Canada, including the acquisition and termination of franchises, and the preparation of disclosure documents and franchise agreements. It is further experienced in handling contentious mandates in the space and serves clients in sectors such as automotive, hospitality, retail, and food and beverages.
Work Highlights
- Dentons advised Bingz on its franchising and market entry into Canada, involving franchise agreements and disclosure documents.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"The Dentons team has always proved to have depth and reach because of its global platform."
"The team is definitely well aware of the markets within which its clients operate."
"Dentons' franchising team has a broad range of complementary skill sets and experience when dealing with franchising matters."
"We found Dentons to be extremely knowledgeable in franchising law. They greatly assisted us with practical advice drawn from their years of experience dealing with highly contested franchise matters."
"There is great consideration given to clients' commercial realities at Dentons."
"The Dentons team has always proved to have depth and reach because of its global platform."
"The team is definitely well aware of the markets within which its clients operate."
"Dentons' franchising team has a broad range of complementary skill sets and experience when dealing with franchising matters."
"We found Dentons to be extremely knowledgeable in franchising law. They greatly assisted us with practical advice drawn from their years of experience dealing with highly contested franchise matters."
"There is great consideration given to clients' commercial realities at Dentons."
Notable Practitioners
Department head Helen Fotinos represents clients from a wide range of industries, including automotives, cannabis, retail, and food and beverages. She is based in Toronto and regularly handles franchise law matters, including both litigation and contracts.
"Helen Fotinos is a really practical and business-oriented lawyer."
"Helen Fotinos is simply an exceptional lawyer and strategic adviser. It has been a pleasure working with her and learning from her diverse and vast experience in franchising matters."
"Helen Fotinos is a pleasure to work with. She takes the time to ensure the clients' needs are met, while particularly addressing all their business concerns and striving for the best result possible."
"I am delighted to work with Helen Fotinos."
"We rely on her for her expertise, business acumen and tenacity to assist and protect us in realising our objectives."
Ranked Lawyers at
Dentons Canada LLP
Nationwide - Canada
Industries
Provided by Dentons Canada LLP
Automotive
Banking industries
Cannabis
Education
Food and Beverage
Health and wellness
Hospitality
Real Estate
Restaurants
Retail