Franchising
Canada Guide 2025 : Nationwide - Canada
Band 2
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
+1 604 631 3131About
Provided by Fasken
We provide advice to some of the best-known brands in the world, and support companies as they expand into franchising. Our work has helped reshape how franchise agreements and contracts operate across Canada and beyond.
The industry is no longer typified by a single-franchisee operation or a few exclusive locations. Now, franchisees typically operate more than one location and, sometimes, more than one type of business.
We create master franchise arrangements, negotiate initial and renewed franchise agreements and structure diversified programs, such as the franchise of products within another business or conversion of company operated units to franchised units.
Fasken helps foreign and cross-border franchisors adapt their systems to enter the Canadian market; we advise on the application of corporate policies to local employee, health and safety, consumer protection and marketing regulations. As a growing number of franchisees prepare for retirement, we are frequently consulted in assisting with succession planning.
Apart from mergers, acquisitions and divestitures, we are also called upon to work on corporate restructuring, insolvency proceedings, default enforcements, franchise rescission and franchisee/franchisor disputes, distribution and supply agreements and all types of commercial lease arrangements or site acquisitions.
Chambers Review
Fasken handles a range of franchise-related litigation and transactional work for large franchisor clients as well as franchisees across Canada. The team is spread across Toronto, Vancouver and Montréal, from where it expertly advises on franchise agreements and disclosure documents. It also offers substantial experience in litigation. The law firm demonstrates expertise in industries such as food and beverages, retail, automotive and pharmaceuticals.
Work Highlights
- Fasken represented Qualinet franchisees in a CAD26 million claim against their franchisor in relation to franchisor-franchisee contractual relations.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"The Fasken team had the ability to defend us in very complex situations."
"Fasken understands the world of business today very well and delivers in it. It is a personalised approach that offers an in-depth service."
"The team recognises the 24/7 urgency of our business and responds accordingly."
"Fasken are very proactive and provide close follow-up."
"Fasken is able to bring to bear experts in various legal fields."
"The Fasken team had the ability to defend us in very complex situations."
"Fasken understands the world of business today very well and delivers in it. It is a personalised approach that offers an in-depth service."
"The team recognises the 24/7 urgency of our business and responds accordingly."
"Fasken are very proactive and provide close follow-up."
"Fasken is able to bring to bear experts in various legal fields."
Notable Practitioners
Toronto-based Darrell Jarvis is a corporate/commercial lawyer who advises on a variety of non-contentious franchising mandates, including franchise agreements and rescissions. He has experience in the automotive and food and beverage sectors.
"Darrell Jarvis is highly trusted and delivers consistently."
"Darrell Jarvis has very good knowledge of case law and of the franchising statutes across Canada."
"There is no question that Darrell Jarvis cannot provide commercially sound and practical advice on."
"He is a tremendous resource for us."
Montréal-basedFrédéric Gilbertacts in franchising disputes, with experience acting for franchisees as well as franchisors. He frequently acts on behalf of prominent clients in the food and beverage, automotive and retail sectors.
"Frédéric Gilbert is comfortable with our industry. He is astute, aggressive and commercially aware - he gets it."
"He is aware of what he faces."
"Frédéric Gilbert has strong listening skills and the ability to speak quickly."