1851

Honoree:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/andraejmarrocco/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=top-franchise-legal-players-andrae-j-marrocco-mcmillan-llp-2726936" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Andrae J. Marrocco</a> Role:&nbsp;<a href="https://mcmillan.ca/people/andrae-marrocco/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=top-franchise-legal-players-andrae-j-marrocco-mcmillan-llp-2726936" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Partner, Franchising &amp; Distribution, McMillan LLP</a>Andrae J. Marrocco, a partner at&nbsp;<a href="https://mcmillan.ca/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=top-franchise-legal-players-andrae-j-marrocco-mcmillan-llp-2726936" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">McMillan LLP</a>, focuses his transactional practice on domestic and international franchise and distribution matters. With particular expertise in&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/franchising-basics-what-is-a-franchise-agreement-2725476">complex franchise arrangements</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/trends-driving-franchise-ma-2725879">franchise system mergers and acquisitions (M&amp;A)</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/6-strategies-for-successful-international-franchise-expansion-2725411">cross-border/international transactions</a>, Marrocco has established himself as a leading figure in franchise law.&nbsp;He works with Canadian businesses and franchise systems at all stages of maturity across a variety of industries, including professional services, technology, automotive, restaurant, retail, fitness and healthcare, childcare and education, real estate, manufacturing and commercial services. Numerous legal ranking publications recognize Marrocco for his exceptional work in franchise law.1851 Franchise reached out to Marrocco to learn about how franchisors can protect their brand and avoid legal mistakes. Check out his insights below.1851 Franchise: What do you see as the most important things a franchisor should do to protect their brand?Andrae J. Marrocco:&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/chapter-7-protecting-your-intellectual-property-2722573">Trademark registration and intellectual property protection</a> are crucial. Ensuring that trademarks are appropriately registered in all relevant jurisdictions and — beyond that — protective provisions and practices are put into place to protect trade secrets, copyrights and competitive advantage are key to protecting a franchisor’s brand and system. Consistent quality standards are also vital, as implementing and enforcing quality control measures across all franchise locations maintain uniformity in product and service offerings.&nbsp;Additionally, comprehensive training programs for franchisees are critical to developing a strong franchise system and providing franchisees with a turn-key business consistent with the franchise business model.1851: How important is the information in Item 19?Marrocco: Providing prospective franchisees with&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/evaluating-potential-earnings-item-19-qa-2703118">Item 19 financial information&nbsp;</a>allows them to make an even better-informed investment decision. Transparency in offering detailed and transparent financial performance data builds trust with potential franchisees and demonstrates the franchisor’s commitment to transparency. Including comprehensive and accurate financial performance representations (FPRs) can give a franchisor a competitive edge by showcasing the potential profitability of the franchise.1851: What is the single largest legal mistake brands make?Marrocco: Not setting up their franchise system systematically and robustly is the single largest&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/the-most-common-franchise-legal-issues-and-how-to-avoid-them-2703036">legal mistake</a> brands make. From tax and corporate structuring to legal documentation to selecting the right franchisees at the outset — without starting strong, a franchise system can quickly crumble.1851: How do you stand out as a franchise law firm?Marrocco: Expertise and specialization are crucial. Deep expertise, solid experience and a practical approach allow us to provide specialized advice tailored to franchisors entering the Canadian market. We prioritize understanding our clients’ unique needs and goals, offering personalized legal solutions that align with their business objectives.&nbsp;Additionally, our extensive network within the franchise industry provides valuable insights and connections that benefit our clients beyond the law.1851: What is the best business advice you have received in your career?Marrocco: The best business advice I have received is to “always prioritize building strong relationships and trust.” Everything revolves around relationships and trust. In the legal profession, especially in franchise law, the importance of trust cannot be overstated. Strong relationships with clients, colleagues and industry partners create a foundation for long-term success. Invest in people, and the dividends will be rich and rewarding.Every great franchisee had help buying a franchise. Want to learn more about how 1851 helps franchisees find the right franchise opportunity? Visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.1851growthclub.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=top-franchise-legal-players-andrae-j-marrocco-mcmillan-llp-2726936" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.1851growthclub.com</a> and start your journey.

Meet Top Franchise Legal Expert Andrae J. Marrocco of McMillan LLP

1851 Franchise

1851 Franchise’s annual showcase of the top players in the franchise industry is back. Meet Andrae J. Marrocco, and hear his insights on legal issues in the franchise space.

Top Franchise Legal Players: Andrae J. Marrocco, McMillan LLP

top-franchise-legal-players-andrae-j-marrocco-mcmillan-llp

Lindora

Celebrating the Nurse Behind the Mission: How Melinda Endricks Is Powering Lindora’s Growth and Impact Nationwide

celebrating-the-nurse-behind-the-mission-how-melinda-endricks-is-powering-lindoras-growth-and-impact-nationwide

Sola Salons

Sola Salons Targets Chicago for Strategic Franchise Growth

sola-salons-targets-chicago-for-strategic-franchise-growth

Melting Pot

Photo of Melting Pot white chocolate fondue

How Melting Pot Franchisees Drive Year-Round Success Through Strategic Promotions and Local Marketing

melting-pot-franchise-year-round-success

Crust Pizza Co.

Crust Pizza Co. - Technology Piece - CTO Nick Fontenot - May 2025 - 1851 Franchise

Crust Pizza Co. Builds the Future of Franchising With Tech-First Strategy

crust-pizza-co-technology-nick-fontenot-cto

Paris Baguette

Paris Baguette’s Recipe for Expansion: Leadership, Community and A Vision for 1,000 Cafés by 2030

paris-baguettes-recipe-for-expansion-leadership-community-and-a-vision-for-1000-cafes-by-2030

Buying a Franchise Masterclass

 Franchise Opportunities

Get Support Buying a Franchise

How to Buy a Franchise White Paper

How to Buy a Franchise

How to Sell Franchises

How to Grow a Franchise

Find a Franchise Supplier

1851 Franchise Opportunities

Franchisor News

Franchisor Power Rankings

FranCamp Mastermind Summit

Franchise Resources

What ALEC-Laffer's Report Means for Franchising

Website Awards

Power Rankings

About 1851

Advertise on 1851

Contact 1851 Editorial

Terms of Use

1851 Login

GROWTH CLUB LOGIN

facebook

instagram

twitter

linkedin

youtube

DoorDash Expansion Could Reshape Delivery and Operations for Franchise Brands - 1851 Franchise

DoorDash Expansion Could Reshape Delivery and Operations for Franchise Brands

doordash-acquistions-deliveroo-sevenrooms

Crumbl Franchise Investment - TSG Consumer Partners -  1851 Franchise

TSG Consumer Partners Takes Minority Stake in Crumbl, Signaling Franchise Growth Potential

crumbl-franchise-investment-tsg-consumer

Yum Brands Reports Strong Q1 Results with Big Boost from Taco Bell

yum-brands-reports-strong-q1-results-with-big-boost-from-taco-bell

QSR: McDonald’s Gains Momentum With Chicken Innovation, Value Deals and Franchisee Support

mcdonalds-franchise-recovery-chicken-strategy-value-deals-2025

The Future of Franchising: Trends and Predictions for 2025 and Beyond

the-future-of-franchising-trends-and-predictions-for-2025-and-beyond

The Ultimate Guide to Selling Franchises: Building Your Brand’s Growth Machine

ultimate-guide-to-selling-franchises

franchise supplier award design with Locate AI logo and 1851 Franchise badge

Franchise Real Estate Services | Locate AI — Emerging Leaders in Franchise Support

locate-ai-emerging-leaders-in-franchise-support

Franchise Financial Reporting, Analytics and Business Intelligence | Qvinci

Franchise Financial Reporting, Analytics and Business Intelligence | Qvinci — Emerging Leaders in Franchise Support

franchise-financial-reporting-analytics-and-business-intelligence-qvinci-emerging-leaders-in-franchise-support

The Ultimate Guide to Selling Franchises: How to Clarify Your Positioning – The “Why You/Why Now”

the-ultimate-guide-to-selling-franchises-how-to-clarify-your-positioning-the-why-youwhy-now

Franchisee spotlight image with Randy and Sandy Craft, Children's Lighthouse logo on blue background

The Crafts’ Successful Journey from New Parents to Children’s Lighthouse Franchisees

the-crafts-successful-journey-from-new-parents-to-childrens-lighthouse-franchisees

Layoffs Surge to Pandemic-Era Highs, Opening Doors for Franchise Growth

layoffs-surge-to-pandemic-era-highs-opening-doors-for-franchise-growth

Franchisee spotlight image with photo of Robert Trujillo and UWRG logo on blue background

How Robert Trujillo Expanded His Construction Business With UWRG

how-robert-trujillo-expanded-his-construction-business-with-uwrg

District Taco Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2025

franchise-deep-dive-district-tacos-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data

Top Franchise Legal Players: Andrae J. Marrocco, McMillan LLP

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS