October 20, 2023 As the cannabis industry develops in Minnesota and other jurisdictions, there is going to be a growing demand for banking services. The problem, however, is that federally chartered banks generally avoid working with cannabis businesses. The federal government has made efforts to open up banking services for the industry, including via the Read more…

Franchise agreements can contain a dizzying array of confusing terms— “mediation,” “choice of law,” “arbitration,” and so forth. Some of which, if misunderstood or interpreted incorrectly, can wreak havoc for a franchisee facing a dispute with a franchisor. If you are a franchisee facing potential franchise disputes or franchise lawsuits and are looking for resolution Read more…

October 25, 2021 Franchises are often sold to prospective franchisees on the grounds that they will “own their own business.” For example, one franchisor advertises to prospective franchisees by stating that franchising “provides you with the opportunity to own your own business.” Another franchisor’s website states: “We highly encourage our franchise candidates to visit with Read more…

September 28, 2023 In many cases, purchasing a franchise may be more expensive than opening an independent business.  When you buy a franchise, startup costs include paying an up-front fee for use of the franchisor’s brand and, perhaps, expenses for training which may or may not be very useful). In addition, you are often required Read more…

March 16, 2023 The COVID-19 pandemic will have a lasting impact on many facets of society, including franchisees of companies both large and small. Even after restrictions are lifted and a vaccine is distributed, prospective franchisees should incorporate COVID-19 and emergency-related due diligence questions about the franchisor’s reaction to the pandemic. Prospective franchisees may find Read more…

August 18, 2023 When it comes to whether you are more likely to be successful as a franchisee than owning an independent business, studies have gone in both directions over the years (and as far as we know, there has not been any recent study on the question).  How successful are franchises? Success depends on Read more…

July 18, 2014 In an interesting case, an Oregon brewery, Full Sail Brewing Company, recently sued a Georgia law firm for trademark infringement. While breweries are frequently involved in trademark disputes, it is rare to see a brewery sue a law firm for trademark infringement. An Oregon brewery, Full Sail Brewing Company, recently sued a Read more…

August 13, 2014 Even if you don’t generally go for gin, give Solveig a chance to change your mind. Solveig Gin from Far North Spirits distillery (aptly named for its location in Hallock, MN) is just as delicate as its beautiful packaging. Solveig is subtle, soft, with floral notes, hints of vanilla, and a light Read more…

August 7, 2014 If this isn’t the perfect after dinner during a snowstorm beer, I don’t know what is. Last week, a few of the great folks from Goose Island Beer migrated to St. Paul from Chicago, and brought with them some lovely surprises. We got to try the Goose Island Bourbon County Coffee Stout, Read more…

October 20, 2023 As a brief aside from the business of cannabis, we thought it would be a good idea to educate those of you that are interested in growing your own cannabis. Minnesota’s personal use law is currently in force, so even though you may not be able to buy cannabis products yet, you Read more…

July 14, 2023 We do not like giving the lawyerly answer but we have to in this case – it depends on a variety of factors, including the size of the business, the rights you want to be able to exercise (e.g., wholesale, retail, manufacture, cultivation, etc.), and what you can qualify for. At some Read more…

December 12, 2014 Leave it to breweries to find a way out of litigation that not only benefits both parties in the lawsuit, but also the communities in which they operate.  A few months ago, we wrote about a trademark dispute between Long Trail Brewing and Bent Paddle Brewing Co.  They have now resolved that Read more…