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Siskinds is one of Canada’s most experienced cross-border and international law firms, specializing in the distribution of goods and services.

Siskinds' Franchise, Licensing, Distribution and Direct Selling Group is made up of a group of highly-specialized solution-oriented lawyers and attorneys who practice in the areas of franchise, licensing, distribution, intellectual property and direct selling. We have integrated leading-edge technology into the collaboration with our clients to an extent that we believe is unparalleled anywhere.

Canada's Experienced Franchise Law Firm

Siskinds' Franchise, Licensing, Distribution and Direct Selling Group works closely with its clients anywhere on the globe to provide timely and responsive solutions to their needs. The services provided by our franchise lawyers and attorneys are complemented by the firm’s extensive expertise in other areas of the law, including debt recovery, dispute resolution, immigration, labour and employment, taxation, mergers and acquisitions, franchise litigation, and real estate, resulting in a full range of services to completely meet the needs of our clients. When needed, we collaborate with local counsel to effect on-the-ground implementation of global strategies.

The Franchise, Licensing & Distribution Group at Siskinds drafts all forms of documents including anything relating to franchising, product and service distribution, manufacturing agreements, product licensing, multi-level marketing and all aspects of intellectual property, including trademarks, and copyright. Our experienced team of franchise lawyers and attorneys have extensive experience acting on behalf of both franchisors and franchisees in franchise default and termination situations including lease terminations, realization on assets and security, receiverships, bankruptcy and injunctions to enforce non-competition provisions of franchise license agreements. The Group represents mature Canadian and American franchise and distribution systems operating internationally. We also have extensive experience and enjoy working with start-up systems.

Specializing in International Franchise Law

Franchisors and manufacturers often face challenges when developing an international program. We guide franchisors and manufacturers through this process to achieve their overseas expansion goals.

Franchisors operating or seeking to operate internationally retain us to:

  • Structure international transactions and relationships
  • Prepare and negotiate international franchise and distribution agreements, sales contracts, licensing agreements and joint venture documents
  • Prepare international disclosure documents to comply with foreign disclosure laws
  • Protect trademarks and other intellectual property
  • Enforce international agreements
  • Handle international (or foreign) franchisee insolvencies and bankruptcies
  • Assist overseas franchisors in expanding their franchise system in Canada

Providing Professional Representation to Our Clients

Siskinds is one of Canada’s leading franchise law firms. With a team that includes franchise, licensing agreement, distribution and trademark lawyers, Siskinds has the expertise to assist you in all matters pertaining to franchise law. We have extensive experience acting on behalf of franchisors, franchisees and manufacturers.

We represent mature Canadian and American franchise systems operating internationally, and advise Canadian franchisors in all Canadian jurisdictions, including Alberta and Quebec. Contact Siskinds to talk to franchise lawyers and attorneys today.


Our Team

Learn more about Michael Polvere.

Michael Polvere

Partner - Commercial Litigation
Learn more about Cole Vegso.

Cole Vegso

Associate - Commercial Litigation
Learn more about Peter Dillon.

Peter Dillon

Partner - Franchise Law, Technology, Privacy, Cybersecurity
Learn more about Graeme Sperryn.

Graeme Sperryn

Partner - Business Law
Learn more about Daniel MacKeigan.

Daniel MacKeigan

Partner - Commercial Litigation
Learn more about Andrew MacIver.

Andrew MacIver

Associate - Franchise, Licensing & Distribution Law

Specific Areas of Law

Direct Selling

Direct sales business models require the best legal choices from the many options available.

Franchise Litigation

You need a complete understanding of franchise law paired with litigation strength; we have both.

Franchise Mergers & Acquisitions

A vast array of variables needs to be considered. We are familiar with all of them.

Inbound/Outbound Systems

The world is getting smaller as connections are more accessible, increasing complexity.

Licensing

The customization of agreements is becoming more complex; we aim for diligence, precision and essentials.

Manufacturers & Distributors

Your options seem infinite. We can help you find the best way to the best outcome.

Mature Franchises

You need a legal team with experience that's as deep as your own. We have it.

Multi-Level Marketing

When multiple parties work together, extensive responsibilities and terms must be clearly defined.

Product Distribution

As opportunities for moving your product increase, so do the challenges. We understand.

Start-up Franchises

We share your excitement, and want to contribute decades of valuable experience.

Lawyers Across Our Firm

With over 80 lawyers who focus on diverse areas of the law, we can help you. Start here.

Find a Lawyer

Michael [Connell] was such an incredible help to us as we navigated a new situation in selling our income property. He spelled everything out for us so clearly and concisely and helped us understand complex legal documents and terms with ease. I would highly recommend him for his professional knowledge and expertise while having a personal touch that made us feel comfortable and took all the stress out of the process for us. Thank you Michael and Simone! - P.J.

I had a great experience with John Morrissey and his team at Siskinds. I was in a same sex common law relationship and required his help with a dependent support claim. John made my first time experience dealing with a lawyer an easy one. He was very knowledgeable and he and his law clerk Adam were always available to answer any questions or concerns I may have. I would highly recommend John and his entire team at Siskinds. - R.S.

I want to thank Andrea [Cooley] so much for all her care, concern, work, expertise and wisdom that she gave over the last few months. A separation is something I did not really want to go through, but with Andrea's help I am thankful that I was able to get it all figured out and finished up. I am very happy that it is done, and I can move forward. - L.D.