RECENT POSTS
Franchise 101: A Convenient Truth; and Jani-King Franchisees Wear Many Crowns
Franchisor 101: A Convenient Truth In 2017, four former franchisees brought a class action in California, claiming 7-Eleven owed them unreimbursed expenses. The ex-franchisees claimed they were employees, not independent contractors of 7-Eleven. The court
California Employer Compliance: SB 331 Changes Separation Agreements
As expected, Governor Gavin Newsom signed California Senate Bill 331, which will have a sweeping effect on settlement and separation agreements. As we previously wrote, SB 331 expands on previous legislation that prohibited various confidentiality
Los Angeles Passes Proof of Vaccination Ordinance
As anticipated, the Los Angeles City Council passed an Ordinance and Mayor Eric Garcetti signed it, on October 6, 2021. The Ordinance requires patrons to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination before entering “certain public locations.”
Franchise 101: Pizza Termination in 30 Days or Less; and Match-Taker
Franchisor 101: Pizza Termination in 30 Days or Less An area developer entered into three agreements with a pizza franchisor and developed 50 franchises in Texas. The franchisor, Pizza Inn, Inc., tried to terminate all
Los Angeles Closer to Proof of Vaccination Ordinance
The Los Angeles City Council met today (September 29th) to discuss the proposed Ordinance to require proof of vaccines to enter “certain public locations.” There will be a second reading next week. If the Ordinance
Funds Available to Businesses Under Updated COVID-19 EIDL Program
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced major modifications to the 2020 COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program on September 8, 2021, including raising the maximum loans available from $500,000 to $2 million. The
Tipping Point: CA Legislature Takes Action Against Food Delivery Apps
Millions of people in COVID-19 lockdown ordered food online from food delivery platforms using mobile applications in 2020, which resulted in alleged abuses by certain food delivery platforms. In response, the California legislature enacted the
The end of non-disparagement clauses in employment settlement agreements?
Many employment settlement agreements include a non-disparagement clause that prohibits one party from spreading lies or rumors and disparaging the other party. A pending California bill (Senate Bill 331) may threaten the validity of non-disparagement
Franchise 101: Competing With a Non-Compete Covenant; and Planet Interference
Franchisor 101: Competing With a Non-Compete Covenant? A federal court in Louisiana granted a preliminary injunction against a former franchisee of Liberty Tax Service for breaching post-termination covenants under a franchise agreement. Liberty Tax
More Money for the Depleted Restaurant Revitalization Fund?
During the first 21 days of the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) approved by Congress in April 2021 and administered by the Small Business Administration (SBA), priority was given to eligible small businesses with limited financial