Franchise & brand-licensing agreements
Commercial legal advice on franchise and brand-licensing agreements, including territory, fees, operating obligations, renewal and the consequences of termination.
Discuss this matter
- English
- العربية
- Français
Understand the obligations behind the brand
A franchise agreement combines permission to use a brand with a continuing commercial system. Initial fees are only one part of the commitment: supply arrangements, premises, operating standards, marketing contributions and exit costs may materially affect the business.
The agreement should connect clearly with the lease, supply contracts and ownership of the relevant brand rights. UAE agency and other mandatory rules may require separate assessment. A contract review should not be treated as confirmation that a trademark is available or registered.
How the firm can assist
The firm can examine the proposed commercial framework, identify terms requiring negotiation and coordinate specialist intellectual-property or regulatory input where the project calls for it.
- Review territory, exclusivity, online sales and development commitments.
- Examine royalties, reporting, supply restrictions and approval rights.
- Negotiate renewal, transfer, termination and post-termination obligations.
- The franchise or licence draft and disclosure materials received.
- Financial commitments, proposed premises and supply arrangements.
- Brand ownership information and the planned markets.
An initial outline is enough. Detailed records can follow through a process agreed with the firm.
Questions clients often ask
Should the agreement be reviewed before paying a reservation fee?
Yes. Preliminary payments, confidentiality or exclusivity terms can create obligations before the principal agreement is signed.
Does the service include trademark registration?
The focus is commercial contract advice. Searches, registration and specialist intellectual-property work can be scoped with the appropriate practitioner when required.
Define the mandate
Clarify your objectives, the jurisdictions involved and any immediate deadline.
Review the legal position
Examine the relevant documents and identify the decisions requiring advice.
Agree the next steps
Set out the work, professional responsibilities and practical sequence.
Experience with a personal point of contact
Hyam El Hachem is an Attorney at Law with the Beirut Bar Association. Following her training at Awada Tyan Law Firm, she established her own firm in 1996 and expanded her practice to the UAE in 2005.
Meet the founder