Distribution concepts such as franchising and e-business

Competition gets more fierce in a global market. Many companies are looking for alternative distribution channels to make a quick and efficient leap from small or medium-sized company to global player.

Franchising allows to quickly penetrate a market and position a brand while reducing financing. The scope of action is increased and operating costs are reduced by standardisation and streamlining. It is a proven fact that independent franchisees are more motivated than employees. They take responsibility for their own success and in doing so are supported by the system centre and relieved in many areas. This is why franchisees can fully concentrate on selling.

Franchising is a way for those not having the ambition to become a global player to get access to an idea, a concept, an operating formula or a brand name. Many small and medium-sized companies are considering co-operations and networking in view of increasing competition, decreasing margins and growing market concentration. In a global which will soon be dominated by a limited number of brands, 'provider-user networks' will offer those companies access to economies of scale otherwise open only to large enterprises.

E-business with its necessary distinction between b2b and b2c and its specific data protection requirements - especially in international trade - has developed into an additional independent distribution channel. E-business is particularly interesting where it can be used to market new electronic products such as e-payment, logistics, information services as well as content and gambling.

Due to our experience in distribution methods and e-business we can offer you advise during your decision making process and legal services for its practical implementation.

Our services:

• Legal advice in the development of national and international sales strategies
• Representation in arbitration proceedings and litigation
• Legal advice for foreign franchisers wishing to enter the German market
• Drafting, examining and negotiating franchise contracts, master franchise contracts, area development agreements and licence agreements
• Legal advice and representation, in particular in conflicts between franchiser and franchisee
• A network of international franchising experts
• Implementation of legal rules and regulations for online shops, Internet platforms and application service providers
• Drafting contracts between developers and providers of Internet applications
• Co-operations in e-business
• Requirements for cross-border Internet trade
• Legal advice in the implementation of Internet-based sweepstakes, contests prize draws etc.
• Limited liability for the content of links and chat rooms or with offers concerning Internet trade and exchange
• Implementation of DRM systems for copyright protection on the Internet