Hamilton Pratt

Hamilton Pratt is a specialist franchise law firm that provides leading-edge legal advice to the franchise sector. Established in 2004, the firm was founded by John Pratt, a renowned expert in international franchising, who believed that a more focused and cost-effective approach to advising those involved in franchising was required. Our team of specialist franchise lawyers is comprised of partners, associates, solicitors, trainees, and paralegals, all of whom are extremely knowledgeable in franchise law and related issues such as intellectual property, property, and competition law.

Our Team

Our team boasts the largest collection of specialist franchise lawyers in Europe. Our partners, John Pratt, James Barrett, and Barbara Lock, are all highly experienced and recognized experts in their field. John Pratt is the author of the leading textbook, "Franchising: Law & Practice, " and is acknowledged by Legal Who's Who as an expert in international franchising. James Barrett is named in Who's Who Legal and Legal 500 for his expertise in franchising. Barbara Lock has extensive experience in advising on franchise disputes and has worked with some of the largest franchise networks in the UK.

Our Services

Our lawyers provide a wide range of services to both franchisors and franchisees. We advise on the preparation of franchise agreements and related agreements, such as confidentiality agreements and deposit agreements. We also advise on competition law issues, both EU and UK, and provide guidance on international franchising matters, including the preparation of master franchise agreements and reviewing foreign franchise agreements to ensure compliance with UK mandatory legal requirements and custom and practice. Additionally, we advise on franchise disputes and provide reviews of franchise agreements for prospective franchisees.

Franchise Disputes

Our team has extensive experience in resolving disputes arising from franchise agreements. We assist franchisors in enforcing post-termination obligations and restrictive covenants contained in their franchise agreements, as well as represent franchisee action groups and defend franchisors against such claims. We also advise on disputes arising from complex international franchise agreements and represent clients in litigation and arbitration proceedings.

What We Do

At Hamilton Pratt, we understand the complexities and intricacies of the franchise industry. Our expert lawyers provide tailored advice on franchise law, intellectual property law, and related issues. We advise on the preparation of franchise agreements, guide clients through the franchising process, and represent clients in disputes arising from franchise agreements. Our team is dedicated to providing exceptional service, combining extensive knowledge and expertise to ensure our clients' needs are met.

Our Clients

Our clients range from small, independent franchisors to large, multinational corporations. We work closely with our clients to understand their unique needs and provide tailored advice to meet their specific requirements. Our expertise spans all aspects of franchising, from the initial franchise pact to the eventual franchise termination.

Our Agreements

We advise on the preparation of franchise agreements and related agreements, including confidentiality agreements, deposit agreements, and other essential franchise documents. Our team also reviews franchise agreements for prospective franchisees, providing expert guidance on the franchise terms and conditions.

Franchising in the UK and Internationally

Our team advises on franchise agreements and disputes in the UK and internationally. We have extensive experience in international franchising matters, including the preparation of master franchise agreements and reviewing foreign franchise agreements to ensure compliance with UK mandatory legal requirements and custom and practice.

Media, Press Releases, and Publications

Our lawyers are frequent contributors to publications and have published articles on franchising issues. John Pratt is the author of the leading textbook, "Franchising: Law & Practice, " and has contributed to other publications. James Barrett has published articles on franchising in the United Kingdom and has contributed to the American Bar Association's Franchise Law Journal.

Events

We do not have a specific events section as our main focus is on providing expert advice to our clients. However, our lawyers regularly deliver lectures and seminars on franchising issues and participate in industry-related events.