IFA Legal Symposium Roundtables are carefully planned to address the challenges and innovations of the moment. There are 36 dynamic roundtable discussions on the agenda, and each session is an opportunity to engage, learn, and shape the future of franchising law. Two rounds of Roundtables are scheduled for Monday, choose up to two topics from the list below.

These sessions are for career attorneys, upstart practitioners, and business leaders who want to better manage the complexities of the legal issues in franchising. Learn to trace the intricacies of international franchise expansion or understand the nuances of data privacy laws. Each topic is tailored to address the real-world needs of today’s franchising community. Where will you be?

Addressing Difficult Issues in Trademark Registration and Renewal
Delve into the complexities of current trademark laws and best practices for ensuring your registrations are up-to-date.

Addressing Issues Relating to Acquiring and Merging Franchise Systems
Explore key considerations in M&A transactions, including due diligence and seamless integration strategies.

Avoiding Mistakes in International Expansion
Gain insights on common pitfalls in global expansion and how to navigate different regulatory environments.

Best Practices for Managing Systemwide Data Privacy and Security
Understand critical data protection regulations and effective compliance strategies across jurisdictions.

Best Practices in Defending State Enforcement Actions
Learn tactics for defending against state regulatory enforcement, focusing on recent case studies.

Best Practices in Enforcing System Standards and Defaults
Discuss the enforcement of system standards to ensure consistent quality and compliance in franchising.

Best Practices in International Franchising in the Time of Conflict
Identify strategies for franchising success in emerging markets, including local partner selection and market entry.

Best Practices in the Use of Pre-Sale Marketing Materials & Sales Decks
Examine legal considerations and effective strategies for pre-sale marketing in various industries.

Celebrities as Franchisees – Risks and Rewards
Explore the unique challenges and benefits of having celebrities as franchisees, from marketing to management.

Creating Meaningful Impact Policies
Discuss how to develop and implement policies that genuinely impact corporate social responsibility.

Diligence Considerations When Buying/Selling a Multi-Unit Franchise
Highlight the critical aspects of due diligence to consider when buying or selling a franchise business.

ESG: Is it a Good Fit in the Franchise System?
Evaluate the integration of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors within franchising.

Franchising and a Rescission – Lessons Learned from Past Experience
Review lessons learned from franchise rescissions and how to avoid potential legal pitfalls.

Franchising in Emerging International Markets
Discover opportunities and challenges in franchising within rapidly developing international markets.

Generative AI: Best Practices for Use in Your Franchise System
Explore the legal implications and best practices of integrating AI technologies in business operations.

How to Make Franchise Associations Work For You
Learn how to effectively leverage franchise associations for networking, advocacy, and resources.

How to Protect Your Global IP
Strategies for safeguarding intellectual property across different countries and legal systems.

How to Use Exemptions and Exclusions in Your Franchise Program
Navigate the legal landscape of exemptions and exclusions in franchising for strategic advantage.

How to Use Questionnaires in Light of NASAA Guidance
Understand the best practices for utilizing questionnaires under the North American Securities Administrators Association guidelines.

Legal Considerations When the Franchisor and Franchisee are Joint Defendants
Discuss the specific legal considerations when dealing with cross-border franchisor-franchisee relationships.

Litigation vs. Arbitration: Pros and Cons
Debate the advantages and disadvantages of litigation and arbitration in resolving disputes.

Managing the Renewal and Transfer Process
Insights on managing the intricacies of contract renewal and transfer in franchise agreements.

Negotiating with Large Multi-Unit Owners – No Leverage Scenarios
Tactics and strategies for negotiating deals with large, multi-unit franchise owners.

Operating Manual Best Practices
Best practices for developing and maintaining effective and compliant operating manuals.

Practical Issues in Owning and Operating Multi-Brand Franchises
Challenges and strategies for managing multiple franchise brands under one corporate umbrella.

Reserving the Right to Charge Open-Ended Fees: Disclosure & Regulatory Compliance Concerns
Explore the implications of imposing open-ended fees within a franchise system.

“Social Franchising” – Using the Franchise Model to Benefit Society
Discuss the potential of franchising as a tool for achieving social impact and community development.

Strategic Considerations When Litigating Cases Involving Multi-Unit Franchisees
Learn about strategic considerations specific to litigation involving intellectual property rights.

Strategies and Best Practices for Working with Financially Troubled Franchisees
Effective strategies for working with brokers to expand your business and ensure compliant practices.

Sword or Shield? Best Practices in Navigating Franchise Litigations
Use litigation as both a defensive and offensive tool in the franchise industry, examining key tactics to protect your brand while addressing common legal challenges.

The Intersection of Management Agreements and Franchise Agreements
Get clarity on how these contracts interact, their legal implications, and best practices for harmonizing their terms.

The Latest on the Impact of California FAST Act and AB 1228
Hear the latest developments and their potential effects on employment and franchising within The Golden State.

The Move to Regulate Franchise Sales Brokers
Proposed regulations, expected impacts, and how brokers and franchisors can prepare for these changes.

Who’s the Boss: Enforcing System Standards While Managing Joint Employer Issues
This roundtable will provide strategies to mitigate risks while maintaining control over brand standards.

Working with State Regulators: What Franchise Lawyers Need to Know Today
Guidance on compliance, negotiation, and how to advocate for your franchise clients in a regulatory environment.

You Again: Strategies for Dealing With Franchisees who Habitually Default and Timely Cure
Learn about legal remedies, strategic approaches, and preventative measures to handle defaults effectively.