Skip to content
Edit Content

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

News section

OUR EXPERTISES > MEDIA, SPORT & ENTERTAINMENT

International Franchising

International Franchising requires a sound understanding of the benefits and challenges of the franchise business model, the countries to be operated in and the legal and tax implications. Some of the most common reasons that some franchisees fail are that they do not seek the necessary tax and legal advice ahead of buying a franchise or do not give due consideration to the territories in which they intend to operate in.

Our Expert on International Franchising​

Leon Fernando Del Canto
Leon Fernando del Canto, Barrister and Spanish Lawyer/Abogado

Why choose Del Canto Chambers?

Del Canto Chambers provides dual-qualified, multi-lingual tax lawyers, who have worked on over 500 cases throughout Europe, the Middle East, Latin America and Asia, making us the counsel of choice for London-based and international clients, corporations, solicitors and tax advisers.

What is International Franchising?

International Franchising is a common method of expanding and growing a business globally.  In return for a management fee a franchisor will grant a licence, distribution agreement or agency arrangement to an overseas franchisee. The franchisor in turn, will provide a commercial support package to help them operate that business, normally consisting of permission to use the franchise brand, processes, training and support.

“Business format franchising is the granting of a license by one person (the franchisor) to another (the franchisee), which entitles the franchisee to trade as their own business under the brand of the franchisor, following a proven business model. The franchisee is provided with the rights and necessary support to run the business in the correct way, while adhering to the agreed rights and obligations”. – British Franchise Association

Franchising is a complex area of law and, aside from ensuring that a business is franchisable and ready to franchise, choosing the right franchise lawyer is a key strategic decision. The franchise agreement and its processes involves different areas of law to be considered holistically, such as:

  • Contract and Commercial Law
  • Consumer Regulations
  • Competition Law
  • Trademark and Intellectual Property law
  • Data Protection law
  • Tax and Accounting Expertise

The legal documentation, and ongoing legal advice, are fundamental building blocks of any franchise network. The right specialist advice can maximise the chances for long-term success and minimise the risks of incurring big expenses and liabilities down the road.

Our franchising experts can assist both franchisors and franchisees in establishing and optimising franchise operations internationally including:

  • Franchise operation structure
  • Intellectual property usage and protection
  • Compliance and the necessary registrations
  • International entry strategy
  • Franchise documentation
  • Legal and tax implications for both franchisor and franchisee

Benefits of International Franchising

There are many benefits of International Franchising for both the franchisor and the franchisee including:

  • Cost – a franchisor benefits from international expansion without them having to carry the overhead costs of employees, rent etc
  • International growth – franchising a company to overseas parties enables the brand to grow internationally with limited risks or exposure to just a single country market
  • In-country expertise – a franchisee should have good local knowledge of their market, buyer behaviour, business processes and have key contacts in their country
  • Faster route to market- The franchisor gets access to an established brand and proven business model which helps them speed up the setup and running of operations in their country

How we can help with International Franchise operations

We have a solid understanding of the international franchise business and have been involved with global brands as well as key franchise development projects. We possess a comprehensive and interdisciplinary network covering the entire franchise sector in Europe, the Middle East and Latam, allowing us to provide international business, finance, tax and legal support.

Our Expert on International Franchising

Leon Fernando Del Canto
Leon Fernando del Canto, Barrister and Spanish Lawyer/Abogado

Why choose Del Canto Chambers?

Del Canto Chambers provides dual-qualified, multi-lingual tax lawyers, who have worked on over 500 cases throughout Europe, the Middle East, Latin America and Asia, making us the counsel of choice for London-based and international clients, corporations, solicitors and tax advisers.

Major Cases

Corporate Cases
We have worked on several corporate cases including some of the worlds leading companies in media, luxury boats, football clubs, NGOs, investments and much more

GET IN TOUCH

Let us guide you on our services for media, sport & entertainment

Del Canto Chambers specialists are constantly up to date with new legislative changes and aware of any Spanish tax and legal implications. Contact our Spanish legal and tax specialists to find out the best tax planning and corporate structures in your circumstances.

Articles & News

At Del Canto Chambers we are always sharing our knowledge and act as an active voice across different media. The following articles and news are related to and relevant for Real Estate Sale & Purchase and Spanish Tax Law.

If you wish to make an enquiry, please complete the form below. We will get back to you within 24 hours.


In accordance to the Bar Standards Board, we hereby inform you that you may contact us for a quotation.