Matthew J. Kreutzer of Howard & Howard

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He has spent more than 15 years working with individuals and companies on issues relating to the franchise relationship.

Experienced in all facets of franchise law, Mr. Kreutzer assists both start-up and mature franchisors with developing, protecting and licensing their franchise and distribution systems. As part of this practice, he counsels companies regarding the laws and regulations pertaining to franchising nationwide and assists them in creating their contracts, Franchise Disclosure Documents, and other critical operational documents. He also responds to state administrative inquires and investigations, and obtains exemptions and interpretive opinions from regulatory agencies. With his background in franchise litigation, Mr. Kreutzer understands the risks inherent in the relationship and works with his clients to limit those risks so that those franchisors can focus on brand and system growth.

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When Franchisees Innovate: Discussing The “Big Mac” Provision

By Matthew J. Kreutzer of Howard & Howard on Posted in Famous Marks, Franchises, United States
During the life of a franchise system, franchisees are often the source of new product and service offering ideas. Franchisors often find that some of the best-selling products are created by franchisees.  For example, some of the most popular sandwiches (including the Big Mac, Filet-o-Fish, and Egg McMuffin) at McDonald’s were created by franchisees.  Indeed, … Continue Reading

California Amends its Franchise Relations Act

By Matthew J. Kreutzer of Howard & Howard on Posted in Franchises, United States
California recently made new amendments to its franchise law, California Franchise Relations Act (“CFRA”) (Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code §20000 et seq.), which regulates franchisee-franchisor relationships. These amendments, which will affect franchise agreements entered into or renewed after January 1, 2016, substantially change the laws in that state dealing with franchise terminations and renewals. The … Continue Reading

Franchisee Who Ignored His Disclosure Document Loses Lawsuit

By Matthew J. Kreutzer of Howard & Howard on Posted in Case Studies, Franchises, United States
A franchisee who sued his franchisor for fraud learned the hard way why it’s important to read the Franchise Disclosure Document, cover to cover, before buying a franchise. A California franchisee of Big O Tires sued the company in California court, alleging that Big O defrauded him when it sold him a franchise. The California … Continue Reading

The Forum-Selection Clause in Your Franchise Agreement: Why it’s Important

By Matthew J. Kreutzer of Howard & Howard on Posted in Case Studies, Franchises, United States
One of the most common provisions in franchise agreements is the “forum-selection” clause. Under these provisions, the parties agree that any lawsuit filed by either one of the parties will be brought only in a court in a specified city and state. The chosen court will almost always be in the city where the franchisor … Continue Reading
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