FTC clarifies franchise rule's "exclusive territory" disclosure *

USA - November 14 2012
On October 16, 2012, the Federal Trade Commission answered an additional "frequently asked question" regarding the 2007 amendments to its Franchise Rule.

Co-authors: Nicholas C. Rueter.

---

Arbitration clause valid despite claim of economic duress *

USA - November 14 2012
Applying Connecticut law, a federal district court upheld the validity of an arbitration clause in an investment advisor franchisee's arbitration agreement despite the franchisee's claims of economic duress and unequal bargaining power.

Co-authors: Nicholas C. Rueter.

---

Manitoba franchise legislation comes into effect *

Canada - November 14 2012
The Canadian province of Manitoba's new franchise laws, The Franchise Act and Franchises Regulation, came into effect on October 1, 2012.

Co-authors: Nicholas C. Rueter.

---

Forklift dealer held to be a Missouri franchise *

USA - November 14 2012
A federal district court ruled that a forklift dealer's relationship with its manufacturer constituted a "franchise" under the meaning of the Missouri Merchandising Practices Act, and that the manufacturer had violated the MMPA by failing to give the dealer only 22 days' notice of termination, instead of the statutorily mandated 90 days' notice.

Co-authors: Nicholas C. Rueter.

---

System for producing hot pizzas not a trade secret *

USA - November 14 2012
A federal court in South Dakota dismissed claims brought by restaurant franchisor Little Caesars seeking an injunction against a franchisee from offering "all day, every day ready-for-pick-up pizzas".

Co-authors: Nicholas C. Rueter.

---