The Franchise & Business Law Group
Franchise Attorneys for Franchisors: Build, Register & Scale Your Brand
Our Independence Makes the Difference. Nationally Established. Internationally Recognized.
What we are expert at
About Us
The Franchise & Business Law Group is a nationally recognized team of franchise attorneys dedicated to helping founders and growing brands build, register, and protect profitable franchise systems. Since 2014, we have been named to U.S. News Best Law Firms for Franchise Law, and our franchise lawyers for franchisors have guided brands like Crumbl Cookies, Westside Pizza, and Sno Shack from early growth into multi-state expansion. Whether you are learning how to franchise your business for the first time or looking for a responsive legal partner to manage your annual FDD renewals and state franchise registrations, our partners work with you hands-on for the life of your brand.
QUALIFIED ATTORNEYS
Meet Our Experts
Franchise & Business Law Group’s Meet Our Team highlights experienced legal professionals dedicated to guiding clients through franchise and business law with expertise, integrity, and personalized solutions for success.
Christian Thompson
Managing Partner
Christian Thompson, a partner at The Franchise & Business Law Group, specializes in franchise law, corporate law, and contract law.
Kara Martin
Managing Partner
Kara Martin, a partner at The Franchise & Business Law Group, specializes in franchise law, licensing, intellectual property, and business law.
NATE WHITAKER
Partner Of-Counsel
Nate Whitaker, an attorney at The Franchise & Business Law Group specializes in corporate, franchise, and firearms law.
Jeff Thompson
Retired, Legacy Partner Emeritus Attorney
Jeff Thompson, a founding partner of The Franchise & Business Law Group, and Vietnam Veteran, had over 50 years’ experience in franchise law, corporate law, and distribution law.
What we are expert at
Legal Practice Areas
FBLG Law provides hands-on legal counsel for emerging and established franchisors, multi-unit brands, and business owners nationwide.
Franchise Law for Franchisors
We help business owners and franchisors structure franchise systems, draft 23-Item FDDs and Franchise Agreements, and scale nationwide.
How to Franchise Your Business
Our step-by-step, 4-month legal build takes your proven business from a local concept to a launch-ready franchise system.
FDD Registration & Annual Compliance
We manage annual 120-day FDD updates, state examiner registrations in all 14 registration states, material amendments, and ongoing compliance.
Franchise Dispute Resolution
We protect your franchise system by resolving royalty defaults, territory conflicts, agreement terminations, and non-compete disputes.
Business Law
We handle corporate entity structuring, multi-unit expansion, M&A transactions, commercial leases, and day-to-day business contracts.
Licensing & Distribution
We structure trademark licenses, distribution agreements, and joint ventures while keeping you clear of accidental franchise penalties.
Intellectual Property
We secure federal USPTO trademark registrations, protect trade dress and proprietary manuals, and enforce your brand rights.
Estate Planning
We coordinate wills, trusts, asset protection, and business succession plans built specifically for founders and business owners.
Latest Blog
Check Our Latest Tips & News
The Franchise & Business Law Group’s blogs provide knowledgeable insights on franchise agreements, business compliance, legal strategies, intellectual property, and industry updates, helping entrepreneurs and business owners navigate legal challenges and grow their business ventures confidently.
National Franchise Law Practice
Franchise Attorneys Serving Franchisors Nationwide
We are headquartered in the Salt Lake City metro area, and federal franchise law crosses every state line. FBLG Law represents emerging and established franchisors across all 50 states, from initial FDD drafting to multi-state registration in the strictest jurisdictions. Work directly with a Utah franchise attorney, a California franchise attorney, or explore all Locations We Serve.
Headquartered in the Salt Lake Valley serving brands across Salt Lake City, Silicon Slopes, Lehi, Provo, Park City, Ogden, and St. George, including Utah DBF annual exemption filings.
California DFPI franchise registrations, annual FDD renewals, material modification filings, and multi-unit expansion counsel across California.
FTC Franchise Rule compliance nationwide plus state examiner filings in California, New York, Illinois, Washington, Virginia, Maryland, Minnesota, and more.
FBLG Law
We've Been Busy
Our franchise and business attorneys are honored to be the recipient of multiple national and state awards for our law firm and our attorneys. Since 2014, The Franchise & Business Law Group has been awarded with the US News Best Law Firms for Franchise Law. Since 2018, The Franchise & Business Law Group has been awarded “Best of State” for legal services in the State of Utah. Our attorneys are recognized as Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers, Legal Eagles, and as Utah Legal Elite by Utah Business Magazine, among other awards and honors.
A Multi-Year Legal Partnership
Legal Counsel for Every Stage of Your Franchise System
Franchising is not a one-time legal transaction. It starts with a four-month build to create your Franchise Disclosure Document and agreements, and continues every year as you renew your FDD, register in new states, and support your franchisees. The Franchise & Business Law Group is built to be your long-term legal partner at every stage.
Launching a New Franchise System
Ready to expand your business through franchising? Our hands-on 4-month FDD and franchise system build covers your new franchisor entity, USPTO trademark registration, operations manual guidance, and drafting your ~300-page FDD and Franchise Agreements.
Explore Our 4-Month Franchisor BuildAnnual FDD Renewals & Multi-State Registration
Already franchising and tired of slow responses or missed state deadlines? Our FDD registration and annual franchise compliance team manages your 120-day federal updates, clears state examiner filings in all 14 registration states, and handles material amendments year-round.
Explore Registration & ComplianceSystem Protection & Dispute Resolution
When a franchisee stops paying royalties, violates brand standards, or breaks a non-compete clause, you need fast, strategic enforcement. Our franchisor litigation and dispute resolution attorneys protect your brand, enforce your contracts, and resolve disputes before they derail your growth.
Explore Dispute Resolution