RECENT POSTS
California Court Rules: Harassment Based on Sexual Orientation Is Sexual Harassment
A recent court of appeals case, Decloedt v. Radnet Management, Inc. establishes that harassment based on an employee’s sexual orientation qualifies as “sexual harassment” under California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). The ruling also
The M&A Journey: From Competing Bids to Board Approval
Earlier this year, Netflix and Warner Bros., longtime entertainment giants, made headlines not because of a show or movie but for a major corporate acquisition. On Dec. 5, 2025, Netflix Inc. and Warner Bros. Discovery,
Franchise 101: A Taxing Move; and Trade Secrets That Tip the Scale
Franchisor 101: A Taxing Move A federal court in Missouri granted franchisor H&R Block’s motion for summary judgment, finding H&R Block could immediately terminate a franchisee’s franchise agreements without an opportunity to cure, after the
Strange Behavior Isn’t Enough: When is a Disability Disclosed to an Employer?
When it comes to an employer’s duty to engage in the interactive process with employees, the employer’s knowledge becomes an important focal point. That is, exactly when, if at all, did the employer know that the employee
What Franchisors Need to Know About the Maryland Franchise Reform Act
In 2026, various states reformed franchise laws to significantly impact the franchisor-franchisee relationship. Recently, Maryland lawmakers approved legislation that follows this trend. On May 12, Gov. Wes Moore signed Senate Bill 415 and House Bill
Franchise 101: No Parent Trap; and Leaving A Light On, For Withheld Funds
Franchisor 101: No Parent Trap A group of franchisees filed a petition to compel arbitration against two franchisor entities and their parent company. The district court found that the franchisees failed to show the parent
Remote Work and Wage-Hour Compliance: Hidden Risks in the Hybrid Workplace
The widespread adoption of fully remote and hybrid work arrangements brings lasting changes to how and where hourly employees perform their jobs. While much of the public conversation focuses on productivity, collaboration, and corporate culture,
Stronger Franchisee Protections Emerging in 2026 State Laws
It appears that franchisors will remain targets of state governments in 2026. Although a franchise system may not call a state with new legislation its home, franchisors and franchisees should stay informed about the potential
Franchise 101: Claim Preclusion; and Diversity Precedent
Franchisor 101: Claim Preclusion The federal district court in North Dakota granted a franchisee’s motion to dismiss a franchisor’s complaint for failure to state a claim and its motion for sanctions, finding the franchisor improperly
New Virginia Law Bans Non-Competes in Franchise Agreements
On April 13, Gov. Abigail Spanberger signed House Bill 69 and its companion Senate Bill 240 into law. The new legislation takes effect on July 1 and makes two major changes to the Virginia Retail