Publication date: 06.06.2025
Experienced Law Specialist with a demonstrated history of working in the law practice industry. Skilled in International Law and Joint Ventures. Strong legal professional with a Bachelor of Laws focused in Jurisprudence from Yaroslav Mudriy National Law Academy of Ukraine. Specializations: Copyright Law • Entertainment Law • Intellectual Property Law • Legal Consulting • Startup Law • Business Law • Trademark Law
Organization and Legal Support of a Franchising Model in the UK: Case Involving Preparation of a Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD)
Franchising is an effective tool for scaling a business internationally, but launching it in the United Kingdom requires compliance with several legal standards. In this case, intellectual property attorney Olena Yaremchuk provided comprehensive support to a Ukrainian company planning to launch its franchise in the UK. Legal services included preparation of a full package of documents, including a Franchise Agreement, and the drafting of a document similar to the U.S. FDD (Franchise Disclosure Document), which, although not mandatory in the UK, is widely used as a standard of ethical transparency according to the practices of the British Franchise Association.
Context of the situation
A Ukrainian fitness and wellness company had developed a successful service model and brand program. After testing demand among clients in London, a decision was made to launch the first franchise unit in the UK. The client required comprehensive legal formalization of the model, structuring of licenses for brand use, know-how, and formats, as well as protection of intellectual property and structuring of royalties. Special attention was paid to adapting to UK legislation.
Stages of Legal Support
1. Preparation of the Franchise Document Package
- Legal structuring of the Franchise Agreement in accordance with UK contract law norms
- Preparation of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) — voluntary but recommended, with a detailed description of the model
- Trademark licensing formalization (registered in the UK)
- Formalization of the royalty structure, training, and support services
2. Company Registration and IP Support
- Establishing a UK company to manage the franchise (Ltd)
- Transferring licensing rights to the trademark into UK jurisdiction via agreement
- Preparing NDA and training agreement templates for franchisees
3. Providing the FDD and Training the First Franchisee
- Providing the FDD to the new partner 21 days prior to signing
- Consulting on the scope of rights and obligations
- Conducting training and handing over a starter package with instructions
Additional Legal Actions
- Preparing a Policy Manual — internal rules for franchisees
- Developing a legal model for quality control
- Advising on membership in the British Franchise Association (BFA)
Benefits of Professional Support
- International licensing structure without violating UK norms
- High level of transparency and trust thanks to the FDD document
- Protection of brand, training base, and documentation
Result
- First franchisee location successfully opened in London
- Partner signed agreements in full compliance with requirements
- Legal model scalable to other UK regions
Proof of Completion of Franchise Disclosure Document
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Frequently Asked Questions
Question
Is the FDD mandatory in the UK?
Answer
Formally — no, but most reputable franchises use it voluntarily according to BFA standards.
Question
What form should be signed between the main company and the franchisee?
Answer
The main document is the Franchise Agreement, which should regulate licensing, royalties, training, terms, and IP protection. If needed, the FDD, NDA, and Training Agreement are added.
This case demonstrates that launching a franchise outside Ukraine requires not only commercial readiness but also legal precision. Thanks to legal support, the client received a complete franchising model adapted to UK standards, enabling the safe scaling of the brand to other cities across the United Kingdom.
