Franchising, Agency and Distribution

Giving practical legal advice to help businesses build effective franchise, agency and distribution arrangements that support sustainable growth.

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Franchising, agency and distribution arrangements can provide effective routes for businesses looking to grow, reach new customers or expand into new markets. Choosing the right model and putting clear agreements in place from the outset can help protect your brand, establish responsibilities and reduce the risk of future disputes.

DTM Legal advises owner-managed businesses, growing brands and established organisations on franchising, agency and distribution arrangements in the UK and internationally. Whether you are developing a franchise model, appointing agents to promote your products or services, or building a distribution network, we provide practical advice tailored to your business and commercial objectives.

Our Corporate & Commercial solicitors can help you structure, document and review these arrangements, considering issues including territory, exclusivity, performance, intellectual property and termination. Our focus is on putting commercially workable agreements in place that support both your immediate requirements and longer-term growth plans.

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Franchising, Agency and Distribution Legal Services

We advise businesses on a wide range of franchising, agency and distribution matters, including:

  • Franchise structures and franchise growth models
  • Drafting and negotiating franchise agreements
  • Franchise disclosure and pre-contract documentation
  • Agency agreements
  • Distribution agreements
  • Exclusive and non-exclusive trading arrangements
  • Territory rights and expansion strategies
  • Supply, pricing and performance provisions
  • Brand protection and intellectual property arrangements
  • Confidentiality and protection of commercial know-how
  • Rights of termination and post-termination protections
  • Reviewing and restructuring existing franchise, agency and distribution arrangements
  • Resolving contractual and operational issues within commercial relationships
  • Reviewing arrangements to support expansion into new territories or markets
  • Buying or selling franchise businesses

Why Instruct DTM Legal?

Franchising, agency and distribution arrangements can involve a range of interconnected commercial issues, from control over branding and customer experience to territory rights, performance expectations and termination. Our Corporate & Commercial Team takes the time to understand how the proposed arrangement will work in practice before advising on the most appropriate structure and documentation.

We provide practical and commercially focused advice that reflects your wider business objectives. Whether you are establishing a new network or reviewing an existing arrangement, we can help identify potential risks, clarify the responsibilities of each party and put suitable protections in place.

Where appropriate, we can also advise on related commercial contracts, intellectual property considerations and wider business structuring issues, helping ensure that the overall arrangement supports your strategy as your business develops.

We provide:

  • Practical and commercially focused legal advice
  • Agreements tailored to your particular business model
  • Clear guidance on commercial rights and responsibilities
  • Advice on protecting your brand and intellectual property
  • Strategic support when negotiating with commercial partners
  • Review and restructuring of existing arrangements
  • Responsive support as your network or business expands

Get in Touch

Whether you are considering a new franchise model, appointing agents or developing a distribution network, our Corporate & Commercial Team can help you put clear and commercially effective arrangements in place.

To speak to a member of the team, contact the Corporate & Commercial Team on 01244 354 800 / 0151 321 0000 or email corporate@dtmlegal.com.

Key Contact
Head of Corporate & Commercial
DTM Legal
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Key Considerations When Establishing a Franchise, Agency or Distribution Arrangement

Considering the practical and commercial details of the proposed relationship before instructing a solicitor can help ensure that the resulting agreement reflects how you want the arrangement to operate.  Read our Key Considerations guide to understand some of the points a solicitor may wish to discuss when responding to your enquiry. It can help you prepare the relevant information and make your initial conversation more productive.

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DTM Legal
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Corporate & Commercial Team

Edward Barnes

Head of Corporate & Commercial
Alison Brennan

Head of Compliance and Service Delivery
Phil Whitehurst

Partner / Corporate & Commercial
Beth Olumese

Legal Secretary, Trusts & Estates

Frequently Asked Questions

Commonly asked questions regarding franchising, agency and distribution agreements.

A franchise typically allows another business or individual to operate using an established brand and business model, usually in accordance with agreed systems and standards.

An agent will generally promote or negotiate sales on behalf of another business, while a distributor will usually purchase products and resell them in an agreed market or territory. The most appropriate model will depend on how you want the commercial relationship to work and how much control you want to retain.

The right model will depend on factors including what you sell, your target market, your growth objectives and how much involvement you want in the activities of the other party.

You should also consider issues such as control over branding, pricing, customer relationships and operations. Taking legal and commercial advice at an early stage can help you assess which structure best supports your plans.

A clear written agreement is strongly advisable. It establishes each party’s rights and responsibilities and provides a framework for dealing with matters such as payment, performance, territory, intellectual property and termination.

Without appropriate documentation, there may be greater uncertainty about what has been agreed and how problems should be resolved if the relationship later becomes difficult.

Yes. Existing agreements may need to be reviewed as a business grows, enters new markets or changes the way a commercial relationship operates.

We can review your current documentation to identify potential risks, clarify obligations and assess whether the agreement continues to reflect the practical and commercial reality of the relationship.

The first step is usually to review the agreement to understand each party’s contractual rights and obligations. The available options may depend on the nature of the problem, any breaches that have occurred and the relevant termination provisions.

Our Corporate & Commercial team can advise on the contractual position and potential next steps. Where a matter develops into a wider commercial dispute, appropriate specialist advice can also be provided to help protect your position.

What our Clients Say

See what our customers have to say about their experience

Review Solicitors Stars
5/5 350+Reviews
Jason Edwards
21/05/2026
We have been a long-standing customer of DTM for many years and would highly recommend. Friendly, professional and great to deal with.
Mark Brooks Lewis
21/05/2026
Alison Brennan is the single most helpful lawyer I have worked with in my professional career. Despite how busy she is, Alison always finds time (and patience) to help our team. She was a critical support agent in our early journey and one of the reasons behind our success. I would not hesitate to recommend her and the wider DTM team.
Evie
31/10/2023
DTM Legal’s team has our complete confidence in carrying out work promptly and efficiently. Their commitment to achieving the highest standards is evident in everything they do.

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