There has been a recent surge in lawsuits filed by employees and customers of restaurants, hotels, and other major retailers, alleging violations of the Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act (“BIPA”).

These forced closures may make it impossible or undesirable for some franchise units to return to business as usual.

Most franchise systems are facing severe financial impacts as a result of the continued spread of COVID-19 and the numerous government-mandated shutdowns that have been ordered by state and local officials in response.

Franchise systems are facing unprecedented upheaval in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Franchisors are currently responding to a myriad of challenges confronting their franchise systems.