DEPARTMENT PROFILE

Sotos LLP

Franchising

4 ranked lawyers

Band 1

Nationwide - Canada

Canada 2022 View ranking table

chambers review

department information

Ranked Lawyers

Chambers Review

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What the team is known for

Sotos LLP is franchise law boutique that is known for its representation of both franchisor and franchisee clients. The Toronto law firm regularly handles the preparation of franchise agreements and disclosure documents, as well as advising on regulatory compliance. It also offers substantial litigation expertise, including in relation to rescission, termination and the enforcement of non-compete covenants. The team is noted for its class action practice, as well as providing assistance with franchise systems mergers and related IP, employment and commercial leasing matters. It assists a wide range of clients across various industry sectors, including automotive and hospitality, and is well placed to act on expansion mandates and support private equity funds in their franchise investments.

Strengths

Sources note that the department "provides timely, insightful counsel on critical matters."

Interviewees consider Sotos as being among "the top franchising law firms in the market."

Notable practitioners

Allan Dick is notable for his franchisee-side work. He is experienced in negotiating retailer agreements and is active in disputes in the field, including arbitrations and rescission claims.

Firm founding partner John Sotos acts on franchise agreements and arbitration matters, and also has transactional expertise. He has notable experience in the grocery industry.

John Yiokaris possesses experience acting for both franchisors and franchisees. He is notably active in the automotive industry and leads the firm's sector practice in this area.

Peter Viitre provides counsel to clients in sectors such as automotive and food and beverages, ably advising on franchising transactions and regulatory matters.
"Peter is truly an extension of our team."

Department Information

This content is provided by Sotos LLP.

Overview

As Canada’s leading franchising, licensing, and distribution law firm, with over 20 legal professionals dedicated to the industry, we provide a comprehensive range of franchise law, corporate, private equity financing, commercial, litigation, intellectual property, employment, and real estate services to franchisors. For over 40 years, we have worked with regional, national and international franchisors in every sector of the franchise industry from launch to exit including with their international expansion.

Franchise law is what we do. We have influenced the legal framework of the industry. We are highly ranked and rated in the field of franchise law, including in Chambers Canada, Lexpert, Who’s Who Legal Global and Canada, Best Lawyers in Canada, and Legal Eagles.

Our clients come from all sectors of franchising. Catering to Canadian and international clients from start-ups to established systems, we assist both international franchisors wishing to expand into Canada, and Canadian franchisors wishing to expand abroad.

We are known for having a full-service shop – have trademark agents, labour and employment lawyers, real estate and leasing lawyers, corporate including corporate financing and commercial lawyers, litigation experts – all who operate in the franchise space and under Canada’s franchise legal framework.