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Beware of the Boilerplate Introduction
Many franchise agreements begin with an introductory paragraph, a “witnesseth” statement or various recitals that tout the virtues of the franchisor's business or systems. These introductory statements might state that the franchisor has “developed a proven system,” “developed and perfected a system,” or “developed a uniform system” for operating a particular type of business. The introductory statements also might highlight the success, reputation, or positive image of the franchisor's business systems.
But beware: Although these statements are not intended by the franchisor to have any binding legal consequences, a franchisee may seize upon this language if his or her business is less successful than he or she had hoped, or if a conflict develops between the parties. More than one franchisee has asked a court or an arbitrator to rule that, by including such statements in the prefatory paragraphs of its franchise agreement, the franchisor has created an enforceable legal obligation to ensure the overall success of the franchisee's business.
In a recent arbitration between a large national franchisor and one of its former franchisees, the franchisee complained that, among other things, its business was not as successful as it had expected. The franchisee attempted to use the introductory statements in the parties' franchise agreements, that the franchisor had “perfected” its system, to heighten the franchisor's obligations under other sections of the franchise agreements. The franchisee even presented a witness during the arbitration who testified that, in his expert opinion, the franchisor's inclusion of such language in the introductory paragraphs of its franchise agreements created an affirmative and enforceable obligation on the part of the franchisor to ensure that any of the discretionary services and assistance it rendered to the franchisee under other sections of the franchise agreements were effective and ultimately successful.
Major Differences In UK, U.S. Copyright Laws
This article highlights how copyright law in the United Kingdom differs from U.S. copyright law, and points out differences that may be crucial to entertainment and media businesses familiar with U.S law that are interested in operating in the United Kingdom or under UK law. The article also briefly addresses contrasts in UK and U.S. trademark law.
The Article 8 Opt In
The Article 8 opt-in election adds an additional layer of complexity to the already labyrinthine rules governing perfection of security interests under the UCC. A lender that is unaware of the nuances created by the opt in (may find its security interest vulnerable to being primed by another party that has taken steps to perfect in a superior manner under the circumstances.
Strategy vs. Tactics: Two Sides of a Difficult Coin
With each successive large-scale cyber attack, it is slowly becoming clear that ransomware attacks are targeting the critical infrastructure of the most powerful country on the planet. Understanding the strategy, and tactics of our opponents, as well as the strategy and the tactics we implement as a response are vital to victory.
Legal Possession: What Does It Mean?
Possession of real property is a matter of physical fact. Having the right or legal entitlement to possession is not "possession," possession is "the fact of having or holding property in one's power." That power means having physical dominion and control over the property.
The Stranger to the Deed Rule
In 1987, a unanimous Court of Appeals reaffirmed the vitality of the "stranger to the deed" rule, which holds that if a grantor executes a deed to a grantee purporting to create an easement in a third party, the easement is invalid. Daniello v. Wagner, decided by the Second Department on November 29th, makes it clear that not all grantors (or their lawyers) have received the Court of Appeals' message, suggesting that the rule needs re-examination.