Construction Ahead.
For the next few months, this site will be under construction. Some links might not be active during that time. And there could be other problems with this site (like typos and formatting problems). Thanks for your patience.
Robert E. Vinson, Jr.
Vinson Franchise Law Firm
Incline Village, Nevada
Phone: 775-832-5577
Fax: 775-832-5579
rob@franchiselaw.net
Welcome.
Thanks for visiting the web site for Robert E. Vinson, Jr. d/b/a Vinson Franchise Law Firm. I am a franchise lawyer / franchise attorney who specializes in franchise law. In fact, my practice is limited to franchise law only.
Brief Summary of Practice.
The services I provide fall into 5 main categories.
1. Start-Up Franchisors: Most of my work is for entrepreneurs who want to launch new franchise systems based on successful business concepts they have developed. I help these clients with legal and business issues involved in setting up the new franchise system, preparing the legal documents, and otherwise complying with federal and state laws regulating franchising.
2. Existing Franchisors: I assist existing franchisors with franchise legal issues, including annual update of the UFOC and annual renewal of franchise registrations. All of my start-up clients become long-term existing-franchisor clients. Existing franchisors which did not use me to prepare their franchise documents sometimes hire me to improve their documents, such as by translating the documents into plain English (instead of legalese) or by more closely tailoring their documents to fit their franchise system.
3. International: I work with international franchisors who want to franchise in the United States, and with U.S. franchisors who want to franchise internationally.
4. Franchisees: Occassionally, I work with prospective franchisees who are considering purchasing a franchise.
5. Alternative Methods of Distribution: I also help companies consider alternatives to franchising. But, in most cases, it is impossible to have a system that has the benefits of a franchise without having to comply with federal and state franchise laws.
I do not handle any franchise litigation or other dispute resolution, trademark or corporate work (but I can help you find qualified lawyers who specialize in these areas).
Overview of Web Site.
In the following pages you will find answers to many questions you may have about franchising and alternatives to franchising (including how much it costs to start a new franchise system). The information on this web site organized according to the various types of clients I represent. On each of the start pages for these different types of clients, you will find an overview of the types of legal services I provide, a description of my fee structure, and helpful information (in frequently-asked-questions format).
1. Start-Up Franchisors: If you are starting a new franchise system (or thinking about starting a new franchise system), you should visit the pages for Start-Ups, How to Start a Franchise, U.S. Franchise Law Basics, and UFOC Outline.
2. Established Franchisors: If you are an existing franchisor, you should see the pages for Franchisors. You might also be interested in U.S Franchise Law Basics and UFOC Outline -– especially if you have any concerns that your current UFOC and franchise agreement might not be completely suitable for your franchise system. My flat fees for annual registration renewals are generally less than those charged by other experienced franchise lawyers.
3. International Franchisors: If you are a U.S franchisor seeking to expand your business outside the U.S, you should visit the page for International. If you are a non-U.S. franchisor seeking to expand into the U.S., see International, How to Start a Franchise, U.S Franchise Law Basics, and UFOC Outline. Click on the translation icon on any page to get a basic translation into a different language.
4. Franchisees: If you are thinking about becoming a franchisee, you should visit the page for Franchisees. You might also be interested in UFOC Outline. Please note that I usually do not represent franchisees.
5. Alternatives to Franchising: If you are interested in expanding your business by some form of distribution other than franchising (in other words, trying to avoid being a "franchise"), see U.S. Franchise Law Basics and Alternatives.
If you have any questions that are not answered in these pages, or if you want to discuss any of these issues in more detail, I invite you to call or send an e-mail to me. I always try to respond by the end of the next business day. Initial consultation is free.
Fees in General.
Normally, I work for a fixed fee that is agreed-upon at the start of the relationship. This arrangement has 2 main benefits for you:
1. You will not be surprised when you receive my fee statements, because you will already know exactly how much your legal fees will be.
2. During the particular project, you will be able to call me or e-mail me with your questions or concerns without worrying about being charged by the minute.
Office Location.
As a result of the Internet and other technological advances, I am able to efficiently and effectively work with clients all over the world. I am currently working with franchisor clients headquartered in Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Nevada, New Jersey, North Carolina, Oregon and Texas. I am also working with franchise clients located in Canada and India. I have handled franchise and business opportunity registrations in every state in the United States, except Maine.
Because of my specialized expertise, experience and loyal client base, I have the luxury of working virtually anywhere I want. I started my legal career with a large law firm in Dallas, Texas, where I became a partner in the Franchise and Distribution Law Group. After 14 years at that firm, I moved to Silicon Valley, California and started my own franchise law firm in 2001. After 3 years in California, I moved to Nevada. I now live and work in a small town on the north shore of beautiful Lake Tahoe. I work from a home office, so I am often available for consultation on evenings and weekends.
More Information.
For more information about me, my practice, my background or experience, please click on About Us. This page also includes comments from my clients, and tips on selecting a franchise lawyer.
I look forward to hearing from you when you are ready to take the next step in franchising. Remember, there is no charge for initial consultation.
Regards,
Rob
Robert E. Vinson, Jr.
Vinson Franchise Law Firm
Incline Village, Nevada
Phone: 775-832-5577
Fax: 775-832-5579
rob@franchiselaw.net
Disclaimer and Copyright Information
Licensed in California, Nevada and Texas. Not certified as to any specialty.
This web site provides general information only. Laws change over time and differ from state to state. Nothing included in this web site should be construed as creating an attorney-client relationship, or as the provision of legal advice.
Links to other web sites are provided for your convenience and information. They are not intended to be endorsements.
All contents copyright 2002-2005 Robert E. Vinson, Jr. All Rights Reserved. The information contained in this web site may not be reproduced, downloaded, disseminated, published or transferred in any form or by any means, other than downloading for personal use, except with prior written consent.
|
