Franchise Attorneys Who Know Both Sides of the Table
Lopes Law represents franchisees and franchisors across the country. Whether you're reviewing a franchise disclosure document before signing, building a franchise system, or fighting a dispute , we've handled it. Former Duane Morris LLP. Temple Law. Flat fees.
No commitment. No pressure. Just answers.
Franchise Law Is Complicated. Most Attorneys Don't Specialize in It.
A franchise agreement isn't a standard business contract. Getting the legal foundation right from the start costs a fraction of what fixing problems later will cost you.
The FDD Can Run 300+ Pages . Most of It Is Designed to Protect the Franchisor, Not You
You may not know which terms are negotiable (more than you think), what fees are buried in the fine print, or what happens if the relationship breaks down. Signing without proper review locks you into terms that can define or damage your business for years.
A Poorly Drafted FDD or Franchise Agreement Creates Ongoing Liability, Not Just Paperwork
State registration requirements vary by state and change regularly. Your trademarks and systems are only protected if you defend them properly. One poorly structured agreement can undermine your entire franchise system.
We Represent Both Franchisees and Franchisors
Most franchise attorneys pick a side. We represent both, which means we know exactly how the other side thinks, what they push for, and where leverage actually exists.
For Franchisees
Thinking about buying a franchise? Already operating one? Dealing with a dispute? We help you understand your rights, your obligations, and your options, before and after you sign.
- FDD review in plain language, not legalese
- Identify red flags and negotiate better terms before signing
- Navigate renewal, transfer, and exit situations
- Fight back when a franchisor violates the agreement
- Dispute resolution without unnecessary litigation
For Franchisors
Building or growing a franchise system? You need a legal foundation that protects your brand, your model, and your investment before problems start. We help you build it right from the start.
- Draft compliant Franchise Disclosure Documents
- State registration in all required jurisdictions
- Protect trademarks and intellectual property
- Franchise agreement drafting and negotiation
- Franchisee dispute resolution and compliance
What We Handle
We focus exclusively on the legal issues that affect franchises, from early-stage formation to complex disputes.
FDD Review & Drafting
We review, explain, and draft Franchise Disclosure Documents that are complete, compliant, and actually understandable, for franchisees evaluating a deal or franchisors building one.
Franchise Agreement Review & Negotiation
We identify the terms that matter, flag what's unusual or one-sided, and negotiate on your behalf before you sign a long-term commitment.
Franchise Dispute Resolution
When the relationship breaks down, we represent you in negotiations, mediation, arbitration, and litigation, focused on the best outcome with the least time and cost.
Multi-State Compliance & Registration
Franchise disclosure and registration laws vary by state. We help franchisors meet requirements in every state they operate in and keep filings current.
Intellectual Property Protection
Your brand is your franchise system. We register and defend the trademarks, copyrights, and other intellectual property that your entire operation depends on.
International Franchising
Expanding into international markets brings a new layer of legal complexity. We help franchisors structure agreements, protect IP, and navigate cross-border compliance.
Why Clients Choose Lopes Law
There are a lot of attorneys. Here's what's different about us.
We've Seen Both Sides of the Deal
Most franchise attorneys specialize in one side: either franchisors or franchisees. We represent both, so we know exactly how the other side negotiates, where they push, and what leverage actually looks like.
BigLaw Training. Boutique Pricing.
Managing Partner Anthony Lopes trained and practiced at Duane Morris LLP, an AmLaw 100 national firm. You get that caliber of legal work without the BigLaw billing rates.
Flat Fees. No Surprise Invoices.
We charge flat fees for the majority of our work. When hourly rates are necessary, we provide upfront estimates and milestone caps. You know what you're paying before any work begins.
We Understand Business, Not Just Law
Anthony has been involved in building and operating businesses since 2009. We understand the real-world stakes behind every legal decision, not just the documents.
National Representation
You don't need to be in Philadelphia to work with us. We represent franchisees and franchisors across the country. Most of our work happens over phone, video, and email.
One Attorney, Not a Revolving Door
When you hire Lopes Law, you work directly with your attorney, not a paralegal or junior associate. You know who is handling your matter, and they know your situation.
What Our Clients Say
"Lopes Law helped us recover over $83,000 from our franchisor, without ever filing a lawsuit. They understood the franchise relationship better than any attorney we'd spoken with. We felt protected from day one."
"Having Lopes Law in my corner felt like having a trusted advisor on speed dial. They were responsive, clear, and made sure I understood exactly what was happening throughout the entire process."
"Consistent communication throughout the entire process. I always knew where things stood. That kind of transparency is rare, and it made a stressful situation much easier to navigate."
Anthony Lopes, Esq.
Anthony founded Lopes Law with a straightforward goal: give business owners access to the same quality of legal representation that large corporations take for granted.
Before starting the firm, he practiced at Duane Morris LLP, one of the country's largest and most respected law firms. He holds a J.D. from Temple University's James E. Beasley School of Law and an LL.M. in Taxation with a certificate in Estate Planning.
What sets Anthony apart isn't just the credentials. It's the perspective. He's been an entrepreneur since 2009, which means he understands the real-world stakes behind every legal decision you face. He built Lopes Law to serve clients the way he'd want to be served: clear communication, transparent pricing, and strategy that actually fits your goals.
What People Ask Us First
Ready to Talk to a Franchise Attorney?
Your first consultation is free. Bring your FDD, your franchise agreement, your dispute, or just your situation. We'll tell you exactly where things stand and what your options are.
No commitment. No pressure. A real conversation with attorneys who've been on both sides of these deals.
145 Greenwood Ave Suite 400, Wyncote, PA 19095
Serving Clients Nationally