Polsinelli is pleased to announce the publication of its 2026 Global Franchise & Supply Network Report, which details key legal developments, strategies and insights into the evolving landscape of franchising, licensing, distribution and supply chain management.

Explore What's Inside

• The State of Franchising: 2025 in Review and 2026 Update
  Franchising enters 2026 with measured growth, increased consolidation and a more fragmented legal landscape affecting joint employment, noncompetes, tariffs, broker regulation and dispute resolution.
• Proposed American Franchise Act Would Bring Sanity to "Joint Employment" Standard in Franchising
  A proposed federal bill would create a clearer joint-employer standard for franchisors by requiring substantial direct and immediate control over essential employment terms.
• The Rise of State Fast-Track Franchise Registration Programs
  Maryland and New York have introduced expedited renewal review options that may help eligible franchisors reduce registration delays and preserve development momentum.
• Negative Members' Equity in Franchise Systems: What it Signals to Regulators and Prospects
  Negative members’ equity can draw scrutiny from regulators and prospective franchisees, making financial context and proactive planning critical for franchise systems.
• Regulatory Focus Sharpens on Franchise Brokers
  As states and NASAA increase their focus on franchise broker registration and disclosure, franchisors should reassess broker relationships and sales compliance processes.
• Franchise Conflicts Mediation: Lessons and Observations from the Past Year
  Effective franchise mediation depends on timing, preparation, realistic settlement authority and a mediator’s ability to manage both legal issues and party dynamics.
• Noncompete Covenant Update
  Franchise noncompetes remain enforceable in many circumstances, but state law changes and heightened scrutiny of irreparable harm are reshaping enforcement strategy.
• How Franchisors Have Navigated Tariff Policy, Supply Chain Fluctuations and Legal Developments
  Tariff volatility and related litigation continue to affect franchise supply chains, pricing, refund rights and contractual risk allocation.