Daniel Oates

Practice Areas

Litigation

Intellectual Property

Franchise & Distribution

Financial Services

Cannabis

Oil & Gas

Energy & Utilities

Career

Dan Oates focuses his practice on franchise and distribution litigation. He also has substantial experience litigating commercial matters in regulatory disputes, which require a deep understanding of not only the standard rules of procedure and complex commercial litigation strategy, but also the impact that actions will have on regulators, franchisees, vendors, and the supply chain. Dan has spent his career in state and federal courts litigating claims for breach of contract, presale negligent and fraudulent misrepresentation, trademark infringement, termination, nonrenewal, and partnership disputes. He also has extensive experience with administrative actions before various Washington state agencies, including the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board, the Washington Department of Financial Institutions, the Washington Department of Licensing, and the United States Patent and Trademark Office Trademark Trial and Appeal Board.

In addition to his work with regulated industries, Dan also has substantial experience in real estate litigation. He has represented real estate brokers in defense of civil claims and administrative disciplinary actions as well as a variety of clients on claims for breach of lease, quiet title, easement disputes, and unlawful detainer actions.

Dan is licensed in Washington and Oregon.

Professional Memberships

American Bar Association, Member

-Forum on Franchising, Co-Chair 48th Annual Forum on Franchising, 2025

-Forum on Franchising Governing Committee, Publications Chair, 2022-Present

-Forum on Franchising Senior Appointed Leadership 2018-2021

Franchise Law Journal

-Editor-in-Chief, 2018-2021

-Associate Editor, 2014-2018

-Title and Article Editor, 2013

Western District of Washington Federal Bar Association, Local Rules Committee, 2015-2018

Seattle University Law Alumni Board, Member, 2018-2024

International Franchise Association, Business Network, Pacific Northwest Region, Co-host

King County Bar Association, Member & Neighborhood Legal Clinics Program, Volunteer

Washington State Bar Association, Member

Oregon State Bar Association, Member

Education

Awards