IFA SmartBrief offers timely news, trends, business insights and policy updates.

In recent years, the federal and several state governments have introduced legislation that would codify franchise contracts into law, which would increase regulation on small business owners, reduce franchisee equity, damage brand standards and public safety, and insert the federal and/or state government into all preexisting and future contracts.

IFA not only advocates for the interests of its members at the federal level, it also advocates at the state and local levels including, opposing discriminatory minimum wage increases and predictive scheduling laws.

The Trademark Licensing Protection Act (TLPA) will resolve a “catch-22” regarding brand standards in federal law: trademark law requires franchisors to enforce their brand standards, but at the same time, employment law penalizes them for enforcing those same brand standards.

Materials and information for the 2015 IFA Legal Symposium and archives for past years of the event.

The role of Franchise Administration is to protect the integrity of the brand system through the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD), Franchise Agreements and the activities and programs directly related to non-technical support and services for the brands.

With tax season approaching (yes, 2018 is almost over ­­– scary), IFA has a special announcement, and it’s a mouthful. The Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued educational examples of revenue recognition to contribute to the financial stability of franchise companies.

We’re Working For You: Pass-Through Deductions

I am excited to share an important update. On June 19, 2018, the Department of Labor (DOL) announced a final rule on Association Health Plans, and it is great news for franchise businesses!

Latest statistics show higher levels of growth in diversity and inclusion among franchise businesses.