Most of us interact with franchises regularly –– they are the places where we buy our sandwiches (Subway, Jimmy John's, Jersey Mike's), the places where we treat ourselves to confectionary indulgences (Dunkin' Donuts, Auntie Anne's), and even the places we then go to work off those treats (Planet Fitness).
Accidental Franchises<br><i><font size="-1">When Licensing Deals Take a Surprising and Unwanted Turn</i></font>
There is no universal definition of a franchise; a franchise in one state may not be a franchise in another and a relationship that constitutes a franchise under federal law may not meet a state law definition of a franchise, or vice-versa. As a result of this confusing statutory patchwork, the creation of accidental franchises is a common, albeit unwelcome, occurrence.

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