What's New?

Another alert about AI—we know. But this one is worth the quick read: how your organization uses AI today carries direct, and often overlooked, negative consequences as we move into an AI-enabled world.

The USPTO has been steadily modernizing its trademark systems. For experienced trademark practitioners and brand owners, some familiar processes now look quite different, but the upgrades have elevated the practice.

Virginia has shifted the balance in the franchise galaxy. Effective July 1, 2026, Virginia law will prohibit post-term noncompete restrictions in franchise agreements and impose Virginia law on franchise arrangements offered or entered into in the Commonwealth. For franchisors, the change signals a clear need to rethink post-term protections and reliance on standardized agreement language.

Saskatchewan has entered the franchise disclosure galaxy. Effective June 30, 2026, the province will implement The Franchise Disclosure Act, joining other Canadian jurisdictions with comprehensive franchise disclosure legislation. The new framework introduces disclosure, certification, and franchisee protection requirements that will impact franchise sales and ongoing compliance for systems operating in or into Saskatchewan.

Post-termination noncompetition covenants have historically been considered un-enforceable against California-based franchisees. However, recent case law suggests that winds may be shifting in this arena.

Some states are introducing Extended Producer Responsibility laws. These laws, while not aimed directly at franchisors, may still impact a franchisors' bottom line.

What franchisors need to know to take advantage of the state’s new expedited renewal process.

Even when your franchisee’s insurance carrier controls the defense, franchisors can’t afford to just sit on the sidelines. Monitoring—and, at times, guiding—counsel is essential to protecting your brand and avoiding unexpected liability.

Football season is in full swing, and franchise development teams are pushing hard to meet year-end goals.  For most franchisors, this marks the final quarter of their fiscal years. 

The comprehensive tax reform, formally Public Law 119-21 (H.R.1, 119th Congress), commonly known as the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBBA),…

Recent judicial and regulatory activity has significantly shifted the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (“TCPA”) compliance landscape. Below is a summary…

The Small Business Administration (“SBA”) eliminated the SBA Franchise Directory (“Directory”) in 2023. Two years later, the SBA has reinstated…

While the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) has postponed enforcement of its amended “click-to-cancel” rule until July 14, 2025, franchisors that…

2025 started out with a bang for the Cheng Cohen crew. We’ve jumped on the bandwagon and put together our…

The future of the Corporate Transparency Act remains uncertain. For now, reporting entities are not required to file Beneficial Ownership…

Several new state-level data privacy laws become effective beginning on January 1, 2025 (including Iowa, Delaware, New Hampshire, and Nebraska),…