Q&A With Frank Zaid: Legal and regulatory challenges of operating retail businesses January 9, 2018 By Frank Zaid Q: What are the most common legal and regulatory challenges of operating a retail business? A: There are many common challenges, but they vary depending on the types of products sold, and if the business is franchised, there will be additional issues to consider. + Read More

Proposed changes to Ontario workplace law could make unionizing franchises easier June 15, 2017 The special advisors to the Ontario Changing Workplaces Review have issued their final report with proposed changes to the province’s employment standards and labour relations legislation, which could make unionizing franchises easier. + Read More

Beginning the due diligence process May 1, 2017 By Tony Wilson When British Columbia’s provincial government was developing its new Franchises Act (which came into effect on Feb. 1, 2017), an advisory committee was formed to provide input. + Read More

Understanding the Disclosure Document: How much does it cost to be a franchisee? April 21, 2017 By Peter Snell In their disclosure documents, franchisors must provide information about the various fees and expenses that are payable under the terms of their franchise agreements. + Read More

Q&A with Frank Zaid: Issues regarding intellectual property April 18, 2017 By Frank Zaid Q: What issues are being raised in today’s Canadian franchise agreements and disclosure documents with regard to intellectual property? Historically, the term ‘intellectual property’ referred to statutory patents, trademarks, industrial designs and copyrights. + Read More

Understanding the Disclosure Document: How much money will you make? February 23, 2017 By Peter Snell In the last issue of Canadian Business Franchise, this column presented the first in a series of articles that will examine the franchise disclosure document in Canada. + Read More

Ask the Experts: Quebec’s new sign law February 20, 2017 By Giovanna Spataro Q: What is Quebec’s new sign law? Giovanna says: An amendment to Quebec’s Regulation Respecting the Language of Commerce and Business requires all new outdoor signage installed after Nov. 24, 2016, to feature a sufficient presence of French. + Read More