As the 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) update period begins, franchisors—especially those in quick service restaurant (QSR) concepts—must navigate an evolving landscape of federal and state franchise laws, disclosure obligations, and compliance deadlines. This expert panel, featuring franchise attorneys and compliance specialists with deep experience in franchise law and regulation, will provide practical insights tailored to the 2025 FDD update season.

Drawing on extensive expertise in franchise regulatory compliance, contract management, and dispute prevention, the panelists will discuss how franchisors can prepare accurate, compliant FDDs and related documents to protect their brands and minimize legal exposure.

What Will Be Discussed
– Key legal requirements of the Franchise Rule (16 C.F.R. Parts 436 and 437) impacting 2025 FDDs
– Understanding the 23 FDD Items: disclosures on fees, investments, franchisor background, and system health
– Financial performance representations: rules, NASAA commentary, and best practices
– The role of form franchise agreements, addenda, and contract updates in franchise relationships
– Federal deadlines and state registration nuances, including differences in filing requirements across jurisdictions
– Compliance with state-level franchise relationship laws (e.g., New Jersey’s Franchise Practices Act)
– Risks of non-compliance: civil and criminal liabilities for franchisors and executives
– Practical workflow, timelines, and compliance tips for a smooth update season

Attendees will leave with actionable guidance to ensure their franchise offering documents comply fully with federal and state laws, positioning their franchise systems for successful growth and reduced regulatory scrutiny in 2025 and beyond.

Host:
– Ari Nathan Stern, Fox Rothschild LLP
Ari is a partner at Fox Rothschild LLP and a nationally recognized franchise attorney focused on dispute resolution and franchise law. He advises franchisors, franchisees, and related businesses on compliance, risk management, and brand protection, and also serves as a mediator and arbitrator in complex commercial and franchise disputes. Ari’s practice spans litigation, arbitration, and mediation involving fraud, contract breaches, and franchise law violations, making him a trusted advisor to growing and mature brands. Consistently named to Best Lawyers in America and Super Lawyers, he is active in leading franchise industry organizations and holds degrees from Cornell University and American University.

Panelists:
– Arthur L. Pressman, Dispute Resolution Services
Arthur is a veteran franchising attorney, arbitrator, and mediator with more than five decades of experience advising franchisors and franchisees across the United States. A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and Temple University School of Law, he served as an equity partner at Nixon Peabody LLP, a capital partner at Buchanan Ingersoll PC, and co-founded a 20-lawyer firm in Philadelphia before retiring from active practice in 2017. Arthur has taught franchising and business law at Boston University School of Law, Babson College, and Temple University, and has been a frequent speaker at ABA Forum on Franchising and IFA events. Recognized as a Chambers USA Band 1 franchise lawyer and Franchise Times Legal Eagle, he has authored multiple articles on mediation and arbitration and brings firsthand operational insight as a former franchisee.

– Brian Balconi, Balconi Mediation Services
Brian is a seasoned franchise attorney and mediator with more than twenty-five years of experience in franchising and brand leadership. He drafted his first Franchise Disclosure Document while serving in-house at Dunkin’, Baskin-Robbins, and Togo’s, and has since represented both franchisees and major franchisors. Brian has held senior legal roles, including General Counsel of Little Caesars and Chief Legal Officer of Authority Brands, parent to a portfolio of 15 franchised brands. Today, he is the principal of Balconi Mediation Services, where he focuses on resolving franchise and complex business disputes through effective, practical mediation.

– Eric Sigman, Ruberto, Israel & Weiner, P.C.
Eric is a shareholder at Ruberto, Israel & Weiner, PC and chair of the firm’s Franchise Practice Group. As a member of the Corporate Law Practice Group, he advises clients on corporate formation, capitalization, succession planning, commercial leasing, and mergers and acquisitions. Eric counsels franchisors and franchisees on agreement negotiations and the drafting, analysis, and review of franchise disclosure documents, drawing on extensive experience in commercial real estate and retail leasing. Known for his strong negotiation, organizational, and practical problem-solving skills, he works with a wide range of clients and has helped establish retail franchise systems nationwide.