FDD Drafting and Registration Built for Compliant Growth
Strategic legal counsel for drafting, updating, and structuring Franchise Disclosure Documents that protect your brand and meet regulatory requirements.
Experience
Counsel
Compliance
Strategy
What’s At Stake
The Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) is the legal foundation of your franchise system. Errors or omissions can lead to:
Our Process
1. Information Gathering
Collect required financial and operational data.
2. Item Drafting
Draft the 23 specific items required by the FTC Rule.
3. Review & Refinement
Ensure accuracy and alignment with business goals.
4. Issuance
Finalize the FDD for prospective franchisees.
5. Annual Updates
Maintain compliance with required annual renewals.
What We Help With
Comprehensive FDD legal services for franchisors.
Initial FDD Drafting
Create a compliant, customized FDD from the ground up for new franchisors.
Annual FDD Updates
Update your FDD within 120 days of your fiscal year-end to maintain compliance.
Material Change Updates
Amend your FDD promptly when significant changes occur in your business.
FDD Audits
Review existing FDDs to identify compliance gaps and areas for improvement.
Financial Representation
Guidance on Item 19 Financial Performance Representations to attract buyers safely.
State Addendums
Draft state-specific addendums required for registration states.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who This Is For
New Franchisors
Founders needing their first FDD to launch their franchise.
Established Franchisors
Brands requiring annual updates or material change amendments.
Expanding Systems
Franchisors entering new registration states requiring addendums.
Acquired Brands
Private equity or investors updating FDDs post-acquisition.
FDD Document Checklist
Keep track of the 23 items required in your Franchise Disclosure Document. Use this checklist to ensure your FDD is comprehensive and compliant.
FDD Document Checklist
Track your progress in reviewing or preparing the 23 required items of a Franchise Disclosure Document.
Corporate history and structure.
Background of the executive team.
Past and pending legal actions.
Bankruptcy history of the franchisor and executives.
Franchise fee and other upfront costs.
Ongoing fees like royalties and marketing fund contributions.
Total estimated cost to open the franchise.
Required vendors and approved suppliers.
A table summarizing the franchisee's legal duties.
Any financing arrangements offered by the franchisor.
Support provided before and after opening.
Territorial rights and protections.
Information on the primary trademarks.
Other intellectual property rights.
Whether the franchisee must personally manage the business.
Approved products and services.
Summary of the franchise agreement's legal terms.
Any celebrities endorsing the franchise.
Earnings claims (if provided).
Data on current, former, and projected franchise locations.
Audited financial statements of the franchisor.
Copies of all agreements the franchisee must sign.
Acknowledgment of receipt of the FDD.
FDD Drafting & Registration
We believe in predictable legal costs for growing franchise systems. Our comprehensive FDD drafting package includes:
Related Articles
Understanding the 23 Items of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD)
A factual overview of the required disclosure categories in a Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) under federal law.
Legal Considerations for Multi-State Franchise Expansion
An overview of state-specific registration and filing requirements for franchisors expanding across state lines.
The Role of Outside General Counsel in Business Risk Management
How growth-stage companies utilize outside general counsel to manage legal risks without the overhead of a full-time legal department.
Need to Draft or Update Your FDD?
Ensure your disclosure documents are compliant and protect your franchise system.
Review Your FDD Needs