Olswang

Olswang is a pioneering law firm with a distinctive approach to business and an engaging culture. We have established a commanding reputation for changing the face of business in a wide range of industries. Headquartered in London, Olswang has an international presence spanning Belgium, France, Germany, Spain, the UK and Singapore.

We understand franchising. Every day we work with clients to help them enhance and extract the greatest value from their IP rights. Unique to other law firms, our market-leading multi-jurisdictional capability allows us to draw on the combined experience of IP and competition lawyers, and trade mark attorneys and commercial technicians in all aspects of the commercialisation of IP.

Our specialist franchise team now comprises experts across all of our other service lines, such as corporate, finance, real estate, employment and tax. This "one stop shop" integrated team delivers a competitive advantage to both franchisors and franchisees.

Our professionals bring a broader knowledge and skill-set than others in the market. Our solicitors have huge experience in bringing the franchise model to many industries and sectors, both on a national and international scale. Our trade mark attorneys know the nuances of prosecution strategies; so crucial but often ignored in a licensing environment. Our competition and regulatory expertise means we are alert to key issues around national and international supply chain mechanisms, including exhaustion, parallel imports and the grey markets.

We deliver commercial arrangements that properly reflect the deal with mechanisms in place to extract best value for the rights being licensed. Franchisees will benefit from ensuring that they obtain and only pay for the rights which they need, and have in place the appropriate mechanisms to support the rights granted to them, avoiding pitfalls. Franchisors can rest assured we know how best to protect and exploit brands and knowhow. Our lawyers always interrogate and challenge the commercial structures of the deals on which they advise. We are driven by our client's commercial agenda and will always propose the most effective approach to all commercial transactions.

For further information contact Joel Vertes, Senior Associate at Olswang LLP