Franchising & Distribution

Puerto Rico Franchising and Distribution Attorney

At GAC, attorneys in our Franchising and Distribution Practice Group work directly with our clients in negotiating and drafting distribution and franchising agreements. Our lawyers have extensive experience with the unique and complex laws governing franchising, distribution, and sales representations, particularly the Dealers’ Contracts Act of Puerto Rico (also known as Act 75 or Law 75), and the Sales Representatives’ Contracts Act of Puerto Rico (also known as Act 21 or Law 21). Both statutes offer significant protection to distributors and sales representatives, prohibiting terminations, impairments and refusals to renew the relationships without just cause as defined by the statutes and interpreted by the courts. Members of the group also represent clients in the amendment and termination of such agreements, including license and intellectual property matters.

Franchising and distribution are important elements of the increasingly complex Puerto Rico business environment and a growing factor in national and international trade. Franchising affords opportunities to the franchisor and the franchisee, allowing entrepreneur to enter industries bearing a well-established brand and providing a low-risk route to growth for the franchisor. Our franchising attorneys serve clients that include hotel and hospitality, restaurants, retail stores, and national, United States, and multinational corporations.

A significant portion of the services of the practice group are in the area of litigation and trials, where members have represented clients before all levels of the Puerto Rico courts, and before the U.S. District Court for the District of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit. Some of these disputes involve matters closely associated with intellectual property due to the use of trademarks and trade dress. As a result, some of the members of the practice group have developed an expertise to assist clients in the application for, maintenance, and protection of their intellectual property. Furthermore, members of the practice group represent clients in arbitration, mediation, and settlement of disputes without the need for formal judicial proceedings.

In order to provide seamless, comprehensive legal services to our business clients, lawyers from our Franchising and Distribution Practice Group work closely with members of related practice groups.

Members of the Franchising and Distribution Practice Group:

Rossell Barrios ∙ Edgardo Colon-Arraras ∙ Carlos A. Rodríguez-Vidal

Members of the group may collaborate with members of other practices at our firm to provide comprehensive solutions to individual clients.

Members of the firm appear on behalf of clients before federal and Puerto Rico courts, government agencies, and in domestic and foreign transactions. GAC’s offices are in the American International Plaza Building in the heart of Hato Rey, San Juan, Puerto Rico’s financial district. If you would like to speak with a member of the firm or have any other question, please contact the firm to arrange a consultation with an attorney with the appropriate experience.