1851

<ul><li>Honoree:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-whitfill-7777236/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=top-franchise-legal-players-ryan-whitfill-cm-law-2726987" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Ryan Whitfill</a></li><li>Role:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cm.law/attorney/ryan-whitfill/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=top-franchise-legal-players-ryan-whitfill-cm-law-2726987" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Partner, CM Law</a></li></ul>Ryan Whitfill is a seasoned transactional attorney specializing in franchise and licensing law, having honed his expertise at some of the world's largest law firms. His extensive experience encompasses advising national and international franchisors, franchisees, licensors and area developers on all legal facets of structuring, operating and expanding their franchise systems in compliance with U.S. and international laws. He has represented a wide array of franchise concepts across numerous industries, including quick-service and full-service restaurants, childcare services, automotive and retail, among others.&nbsp;1851 Franchise reached out to Whitfill 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 franchisors should do to protect their brand?&nbsp;Ryan Whitfill:&nbsp;The two most important things a franchisor should do to protect their brand are: (1) get their trademarks registered with the USPTO (on the USPTO’s Principal Registry) as early as possible and actively monitor the Internet for anyone infringing on the registered marks; and (2) be diligent in enforcing brand standards for quality of products and services provided by franchisees so that every customer has the same great experience at a franchised location as they would at franchisor’s original company-owned location.1851: How important is the information in Item 19 of the Franchise Disclosure Document?&nbsp;Whitfill: It is critically important for both the franchisor and the prospective franchisee. I always encourage my clients to include FPRs [financial performance representations] in their FDDs so that prospects have some insight into the results achieved by existing company-owned and franchised locations. Almost all prospects will want to have insight into the financial results achieved by existing locations, so a franchisor without an FPR in Item 19 is at a distinct disadvantage (versus competitors with an Item 19 FPR) in the franchise sales process.1851: What is the single largest legal mistake brands make?&nbsp;Whitfill:&nbsp;Not seeking advice from a seasoned franchise attorney, which can result in violations of the franchise disclosure laws. While some franchisors are tempted to take extreme measures to avoid legal fees and some franchisors actively seek to evade state or federal franchise disclosure laws (for example by offering “licenses” to try to avoid franchise laws), those franchisors often end up spending more time and money on the back end cleaning up the legal mess they created while trying to take shortcuts on the front end.1851: How do you stand out as a franchise law firm?&nbsp;Whitfill:&nbsp;We try to stand out by providing excellent client service and producing excellent work at a fair price.1851: What is the best business advice you have received in your career?&nbsp;Whitfill:&nbsp;Be yourself, and treat others as you would want to be treated.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-ryan-whitfill-cm-law-2726987" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.1851growthclub.com</a> and start your journey.

Ryan Whitfill - CM Law - 2024 Franchise Legal Players - 1851 Franchise

Top Franchise Legal Player: Ryan Whitfill, CM Law 

1851 Franchise

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

Top Franchise Legal Players: Ryan Whitfill, CM Law

top-franchise-legal-players-ryan-whitfill-cm-law

The Cleaning Authority

Franchise Journal Magazine: The Cleaning Authority Sets the Standard in Residential Cleaning

cleaning-authority-franchise-journal-feature

TruBlue Home Service Ally

Build a Business That Supports Your Lifestyle Goals With TruBlue Home Service Ally Franchise

 trublue-home-service-ally-lifestyle-franchise-success

Layne's Chicken Fingers

Photo of Layne's Chicken Fingers restaurant with "Now Open" inflatable on roof

Layne’s Chicken Fingers Opening Blueprint Drives Success From Day One

franchise-opening-playbook

Right at Home

Veterans, Army, Navy, Right at Home franchisees, Veterans Day

Veterans Excel as Right at Home Franchisees: Here's Why

veterans-in-franchising-right-at-home-success

Why This Corporate McDonald’s Rep Decided To Open His Own Franchise With The Cleaning Authority

kent-lewis-franchise-success

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 Development Website Builder

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

houses, Why Top Franchises of 2025 Outperform Independent Businesses

Why the Top Franchises of 2025 Outperform Independent Businesses

how-franchises-outperform-independent-business-2025-tech-data

Photo of Happinest Brands teams standing together in front of branded vehicles

Happinest Brands Continues Strong 2025 Trajectory With Major Q3 Growth and Strategic Wins

happinest-brands-q3-franchise-growth

Franchise Owners Step Up To Support Communities During Government Shutdown - 1851 Franchise

Franchise Owners Step Up To Support Communities During Government Shutdown

franchise-community-support-shutdown

Slim Chickens Opens R&D Center at World Headquarters To Drive Menu Innovation

slim-chickens-rd-center-fayetteville

Nearly 40% of Americans Are Eating Out Less as High Prices Redefine Dining Habits

nearly-40-of-americans-are-eating-out-less-as-high-prices-redefine-dining-habits

A Practical Playbook: Who To Call First When Franchising Your Business

franchising-your-business-who-to-call-first

image  of Happinest franchise collection and all their brands that work together. 

The Happinest Advantage: A Marketing Partner Invested in Your Bottom Line

happinest-franchise-marketing-strategy

Baker Tilly: Global Advisory, Tax and Assurance Firm Serving Diverse Industries

baker-tilly-global-advisory-tax-and-assurance-firm-serving-diverse-industries

Coffee & analytics image with photo of Nick Powills

Athletes And Franchising: Why the Connection Runs Deep

athletes-in-franchising

image of jerome hanway from right at home Las Cruces, New Mexico 1851 franchise franchisee spotlight

Jerome Hanway Is Building His Right at Home Franchise Around His Mission To Serve

Top Franchise Legal Players: Ryan Whitfill, CM Law

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS