Patrick J. Maslyn

Patrick has extensive experience working with all of the laws and regulations affecting franchises in the United States. He has helped countless start-up franchisors and several Fortune 20 companies structure their franchise systems and manage their franchisee networks. In many cases, Patrick has effectively served as his clients outside general counsel, providing advice and counseling in areas like antitrust, intellectual property, sourcing and advertising issues in addition to drafting Franchise Agreements, Development Agreements, and Franchise Disclosure Documents, filing state franchise registration and exemption applications, and providing periodic counseling on compliance with the complicated patchwork of state franchise relationship laws.

Patrick has also worked with nearly every form of distribution model currently used – including, for example, licensing, dealerships, sales representatives, business opportunities and private label manufacturing. This depth of experience enables him to provide his clients effective, prompt and efficient advice on choosing the best business model for them. Also, his experience with a vast array of industries allows him to recognize the nuances of state laws that may create traps for clients operating in particular market niches. Patrick has represented alcoholic beverage manufacturers, distributors and retailers in connection with a variety of regulatory areas and relationship issues.