Association Negotiation
Worked with franchisee association in renegotiating terms of franchise agreement for entire system, allowing for greater cooperation with franchisor.
The Role of Beer Lawyers
Craft beer lawyers are an invaluable asset to breweries, offering guidance tailored to the unique challenges of the industry. We provide guidance on navigating the intricate web of regulations governing brewing, distribution, and marketing, ensuring compliance while maximizing business opportunities. From negotiating contracts with suppliers and distributors to protecting intellectual property rights of breweries to overcoming regulatory challenges, we represent breweries at every stage of their growth. Our brewery clients have great things to say about us:
- “Elliot is extraordinarily knowledgeable in all facets of brewery law and it is clear he thoroughly enjoys working in the industry. As important, Elliot is a pleasure to work with and takes a pragmatic approach to resolving issues.”
- “Garner, Ginsburg & Johnsen, P.A. are very responsive to our needs. They are able to resolve matters quickly and effectively.”
- “Elliot is a fantastic lawyer whom I have thoroughly enjoyed working with. [Garner, Ginsburg & Johnsen, P.A.] has represented the interests of my business very well through a variety of challenging circumstances and is always my first call when I feel like I’m getting in over my head.”
- “The best!”
Laws and regulations governing alcohol are complex, constantly evolving, and vary from state-to-state. With experience navigating these issues, we can help craft brewery clients at any stage of their business lives.
Omni Brewing Co.
Sociable Cider Werks
Fair State Brewing Cooperative
Oliphant Brewing
Venn Brewing
Arbeiter Brewing Company
10K Brewing
Sisyphus Brewing
Blacklist Artisan Ales
Wicked Wort Brewing Company
Goat Ridge Brewing Co.
Wooden Hill Brewing
Hop & Barrel Brewing Company
Birch’s on the Lake
BlackStack Brewing
Wooden Ship Brewing
Little Thistle Brewing Co.
Bald Man Brew Co.
Ratio Beerworks
Minneapolis Cider
Invictus Brewing Co.
Padraigs Brewing
KNOWLEDGE
Successful Representation
We have helped craft brewery clients achieve their goals, even in the face of fierce opposition.
- Obtained right for first Wisconsin brewery to self-distribute in Minnesota
- Obtained trademark registration despite initial Patent and Trademark Office refusals
- Worked with craft breweries to expand and grow through other related businesses
- Helped businesses obtain start-up capital to open their craft breweries
- Negotiated and drafted distribution agreements
- Drafted and negotiated alternating proprietorships and contract brewing relationships
Results
Startup Helper
Assisted new brewery client to form business entity, comply with securities laws, register trademarks, and negotiate lease.
Selling a Cannabusiness
Litigated and helped resolve an internal shareholder dispute about ownership of a cannabis business.
Testimonial
Elliot Ginsburg has been representing my edibles business in Minnesota since it became legal to sell low-dose hemp edibles. He’s been wonderful to work with and I would highly recommend him to other cannabis businesses. He is quick to respond and will email cannabis law updates that he finds are pertinent to my business.
-Ranelle Kirchner
Testimonial
I had the experience of working with Elliot twice over the past ten years in difficult and contentious situations against a formidable entity. Beyond his great knowledge of franchise law, his thoroughness and attention to detail, and his professionalism, what really stood out and impressed me most was Elliot’s legal advocacy that is second to none. I always felt I was in good hands and I can’t give a higher recommendation!
-Eric Kim
Testimonial
Throughout my time overseeing a PE firm for the past 15 years, I’ve interacted with my fair share of lawyers. While most are decent, it’s rare to encounter those who are truly outstanding. I’m pleased to report that Elliot, Kirsten, and Erin fall into the latter category. My team found ourselves in a particularly complex situation, and Elliot and his team delivered the very best possible outcome for us. They exhibited professionalism, conciseness, and exceptional ease to collaborate with. They swiftly gathered all pertinent information surrounding our issue, assumed control, steering the situation while consistently seeking our input and guidance. If you have any issue with franchise law, you should call these guys. I’m so glad I did.
-Drew James
Testimonial
I cannot say enough good things about Elliot Ginsburg of Garner, Ginsburg & Johnsen, P.A. I retained Mr. Ginsburg in connection with a franchisee matter. Elliot is professional, thoughtful, intelligent, clever, fair and reasonable. His legal work is thorough and well researched and he takes extra precautions to verify factual information. He has the admirable ability of being calm and professional yet firm, even when met with less than professional behavior from opposing counsel. I spoke to many attorneys before deciding to go with Elliot and I know that I made the right decision. I would not hesitate to recommend Elliot (or the firm in general) to anyone needing the assistance of a franchisee attorney.
-Alyson Domoto
Testimonial
I was represented by Erin Johnsen dealing with a successful franchise closure and a lease termination. Erin was very responsive and thorough with both issues. Erin and I reviewed courses of action before moving forward. She listened and gave advice related to risk and exposure of the options we were reviewing. I alway felt that Erin had my best interest in mind when giving me advice on how to proceed. I wouldn’t hesitate hiring Erin again if required. I would recommend Erin as a competent and capable attorney.
-Steven Pierce
Testimonial
I had the pleasure of working with Elliot Ginsburg. He helped me renegotiate and revise a 10-year lease for my coffee shop. I was impressed with how thoroughly and promptly he addressed all of my concerns. He has amazing attention to detail and gave very thoughtful responses to my questions. He even came out to my shop multiple times to get a better understanding of my leasing situation. I would certainly work with him again or recommend him to anyone.
-Caitlin Shrestha
Testimonial
Erin Conway Johnsen helped guide us through a challenging situation with a newer franchise. She was patient with us, listened to our issues and was able to provide work that leveled the playing field with the franchisor. I would HIGHLY suggest her and her team for any challenging franchise situation.
-Paul Rakovich
Testimonial
We consulted with Elliot Ginsburg to help us review and interpret the franchise documents and agreements before investing. He was incredibly helpful and knowledgeable in content and process as well as the legal implications of “common language.” His expertise was critical as we negotiated and maneuvered the process. I am so glad we found Elliot and the firm.
-Mark Mendel
Testimonial
Elliot Ginsburg (Garner & Ginsburg, P.A.) was a beacon of hope to my business/family at a time when our options appeared limited, and the likelihood of a satisfactory resolution seemed to border on the unlikely. He fought diligently and successfully for my rights as a small business-/Franchise-owner and was unwavering in his pursuit of a fair outcome.
Not only was Elliot able to defend my business from unjust accusations, but his calm and empathetic demeanor also offered emotional succor to myself and my situation. My family and I are eternally grateful for his service, and I hereby recommend Elliot Ginsburg (Garner & Ginsburg, P.A.) without reservation.
-Brandon Gruskiewicz