What Are The Franchise Laws in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts franchise law is primarily defined by the absence of state-specific registration or disclosure statutes. This means franchisors are not required to register their offerings with a state agency before selling franchises. But, as an aspiring Massachusetts franchisee, you should always hire experienced Massachusetts Franchise Attorneys.
Instead, all franchise sales are governed by federal law. This national regulation requires that franchisors provide prospective buyers with a comprehensive disclosure document well in advance of finalizing any sale, ensuring a fundamental level of transparency.
That being said, because there is no comprehensive state law governing the ongoing franchise relationship, issues like contract termination, renewal, or transfer are not specifically regulated for most franchises. However, this doesn’t leave franchisees without protection. The state’s general business and consumer protection laws apply to franchise agreements.
Bottom line?
These statutes prohibit unfair and deceptive business practices and can be utilized by franchisees who believe they have been treated unjustly by a franchisor.
Furthermore, while a broad franchise relationship law is not in place, Massachusetts does provide targeted statutory protections for certain industries.
For instance, the relationships between manufacturers and dealers in sectors like motor vehicles and alcoholic beverages are regulated by state laws that address termination and non-renewal. Legislative proposals to create a more encompassing law that would offer similar protections to all franchisees have been considered but have not yet been passed into law.
Here is a list of franchise lawyers you can hire in Massachusetts
Rory Valas / Valas & Associates, P.C.
25 Braintree Hill Office Park, Suite 200
Braintree, Massachusetts
Eric H. Karp / Witmer, Karp, Warner & Ryan, LLP
225 Franklin Street, 26th Floor
Boston, Massachusetts
Gil F. Tempas / Tempus Fugit Law
10 Post Office Square, Suite 800
Boston, Massachusetts
Robert D. Seder / Seder & Chandler, LLP
100 Front Street, Suite 300
Worcester, Massachusetts
Todd M. Siegel
Paczosa & Siegel, 10 St. James Avenue, 11th Floor
Boston, Massachusetts
