David L. Cahn
Mr. Cahn has been practicing in the area of franchise law for almost 25 years. He has a national franchise practice representing both franchisors and franchisees across industries, including advertising, fitness, education, transportation, home improvements, restaurants and boating. He has been recognized as a "Legal Eagle" by Franchise Times Magazine.
Recognitions
- Fellow of the Maryland Bar Foundation
- Franchise Times Legal Eagle (2016–present)
- Franchise Times Legal Eagle Hall of Fame (2022-present)
- The Best Lawyers in America®, Maryland - Baltimore, Corporate Law and Franchise Law (2020–present)
- Certified Franchise Executive (International Franchise Association) since 2012
Memberships & Activities
- Chair: Maryland State Bar Association, Business Law Section (2023-2024); Secretary (2021-2022)
- Board Member: Maryland State Bar Association, Business Law Section Council (2007–2010, 2016–Present)
- Co-Chair: Maryland State Bar Association, Committee on Laws
- Chair: Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship, Baltimore Advisory Board (2017–Present)
- Member: United Way of Central Maryland, Region United Network Advisory Board (2017–Present)
- Chair: United Way of Central Maryland Annual Campaign Committee at Whiteford, Taylor & Preston (2016–Present)
- Member: Maryland Attorney General's Franchise Advisory Council
Franchise Law
- Prepare franchise disclosure documents and franchise agreements for new franchisors and counsel on compliance with franchise sales and relationship laws
- Structure business relationships to avoid coverage by franchise sales or relationship laws
- Negotiate franchise agreements for franchisors and franchisees
- Counselor and negotiator to resolve disputes between franchisors and franchisees, including covenants not to compete
Representative work:
- Conversion of SailTime fractional boat ownership businesses from licensing to franchising
- Launch of new franchisors such as Medifast Weight Control Centers, GO Airport Shuttle and Structural Elements
- Acquisition of trademarks and franchising rights for VooDoo BBQ & Grill and MonitorClosely.com
- Creation of trademark certification membership program for Fractional Homes International, LLC
Business and Corporate Law
- Purchase or sale of existing franchised businesses such as: Exxon service station, Huntington Learning Centers, MaggieMoo's Ice Cream and Rent-A-Wreck auto rentals
- Prepare and negotiate LLC Operating Agreements and Shareholders Agreement for owners of closely-held companies
- Prepare private placement materials to offer stock or membership interests to accredited investors in compliance with securities requirements
- Represent crane rental company in $12,000,000 acquisition of competitor
- Negotiate contracts with Pharmacy Benefit Managers on behalf of cooperative of independent pharmacies
Franchise Litigation & Dispute Resolution
- Kiddie Academy Domestic Franchising LLC v. Faith Enterprises DC, LLC, Bus. Franchise Guide (CCH) 13,066 (D. Md. 2009)
- G&R Moojestic Treats, Inc. v. MaggieMoo's International, LLC, Bus. Franchise Guide (CCH) 13,066 (D. Md. 2005)
- It's Just Lunch International, LLC v. Polar Bear, Inc., Bus. Franchise Guide (CCH) 12, 819 (S.D. Cal. 2004)
- Also has represented franchisors, franchisees and other business entities in several arbitrations and mediations, primarily as administered by the American Arbitration Association, including non-compete disputes
- Serves as an expert witness in cases involving hotel and restaurant franchises
Real Estate Leasing
- Negotiate leases for tenants of commercial real estate, particularly retail and special purpose facilities
- Advise franchisors on rights in leases entered into by their franchisees
Hospitality, Hotel & Restaurant
- Serves as an expert witness in cases involving hotel and restaurant franchises
- Prepare franchise disclosure documents for more than ten food service franchisors
- Representation of hotel franchisees concerning disputes with their franchisors
Antitrust and Trade Regulation
- Develop minimum retail pricing policies communicated by manufacturer to its distributors
- Counsel trade associations on compliance with antitrust restrictions
- Analyze price discrimination claims under Robinson-Patman Act
Trademarks, Domain Names & Other Brand Protection
- Advise clients in selecting business names and logos
- Represent clients in protecting and enforcing trademark rights over names and logos
- Prepare and negotiate agreements for the licensing, purchase and sale of trademark rights
Presenter: U.S. Corporate Transparency Act Requirements for You and Your Clients, MSBA Legal Summit & Annual Meeting, June 2023
Presenter: Ask Us Anything! Antitrust – What Associations Need to Know, Webinar, December 2021
Moderator: 10 Recruiting Approaches to Help Address your Labor Shortages, International Franchise Association (IFA) Franchise Business Network (FBN), September 2021
Co-Presenter: COVID-19 and Your Dental/Dental Specialty Office, Webinar, DMV Dentists, April 2020
Moderator: Leveraging Franchisee Input: The Keys to Driving Franchisee Engagement, Alignment & Unit Level Success, International Franchise Association (IFA) Franchise Business Network (FBN), Winter 2020
Why Have the Rule? Recent Opinion May Decrease Compliance with FPR Disclosure Requirements, The Franchise Lawyer (ABA Forum on Franchising), Winter 2012
Presenter on "Franchising Regulation" at the Maryland State Bar Association Business Law Institute 2010
Mobility, the Home, and the Scope and Application of State Franchise Relationship and Termination Laws, ABA Franchise Law Journal, Fall 2010 (Co-author)
Washington Ruling Raises Area Representative Disclosure Issues, The Franchise Lawyer (ABA Forum on Franchising), Winter 2009
Presenter, "Are You Ready to Franchise Your Restaurant?" at the National Restaurant Association Convention, May 2008, and the Mid-Atlantic Food & Beverage Expo, September 2007
Co-Author and Faculty Member, The Impact of the Uniform Commercial Code on Franchising, ABA Forum on Franchising Annual Convention, October 2006
ARTICLES
Client Alert: Corporate Transparency Act Update: FinCEN Reporting and Compliance Begins in 2024
Client Alert: Corporate Transparency Act: New Reporting Requirements Impacting Community Associations
Client Alert: SBA Exiting Regulation of Franchise Relationships as Part of Effort to Increase Availability of Its Small Business Loan Programs
Protecting Against Increased Antitrust Risks in a More Aggressive Enforcement and Litigation Environment
Client Alert: "Not So Fast" – Maryland Gas Station Operator Obtains Injunction Stopping Franchise Termination
Client Alert: What We’re Learning About Second Draw Paycheck Protection Loans and Other Implementation of Recent Legislative Action
A Special Alert for Tax-Exempt Organizations: Impact of New Congressional Action on the Paycheck Protection Program
Client Alert: New Congressional Action Means Big Things for the Paycheck Protection Program
Client Alert: PPP Loan Necessity Questionnaire – The Continuing Saga of the Necessity Certification
Client Alert: Good News for PPP Borrowers (of $50,000 or Less)
Client Alert: SBA Issues Important Guidance on Sale of a Business with Outstanding PPP Loan
UPDATED - Client Alert: Six Steps to PPP Loan Forgiveness
Client Alert: Latest PPP Regulations Allow Early Forgiveness Application
Client Alert: EZ PPP Forgiveness Application and Self-Employed PPP Usage Cap
Client Alert: Key Changes To The Paycheck Protection Program
Client Alert: More Questions Answered in the PPP Loan Forgiveness Application
Client Alert: Paycheck Protection Program Loans – Your Questions Answered
Client Alert: As the World Turns – PPP Loan Program and the Necessity Certification
Client Alert: SBA Clarifies the Standard for Needing a PPP Loan
Client Alert: Main Street Business Lending Program is Another Option for Struggling Businesses
Client Alert: The CARES Act – New Financial Resources for Small Businesses and Nonprofits
At Your Service? Customer Account Ownership and its Impact on Non-Competes, Control Determinations for Vicarious Liability, and Franchise Goodwill
Signal 88 Security Case Illustrates the Challenge of Obtaining A Preliminary Injunction to Enforce a Franchise Non-Compete
"Earnings Claims" Regulation – Public Comments Help Prevent Unfair Restrictions
New California Franchise Law Provides More Rights to Franchisees, More Burdens to Franchisors
Effective for franchise agreements entered into or renewed this year, new amendments to the California Franchise Relations Act impose significant restrictions on franchisor’s termination or refusal to renew franchise agreements, increase franchisor’s post-termination obligations, and bolster franchisees’ rights to sell their franchised business. These changes make California a somewhat more risky state in which to use franchising as a growth strategy, while arguably bolstering the security of franchisees’ investments in mature brands.
"You Made Your Bed, Now Lie In It!" Dickey's BBQ And Franchisees Stuck Litigating And Arbitrating
Before you enter a franchisee/franchisor agreement, try to devise an efficient and fair dispute resolution system so you don’t end up in this sticky situation.
How To Tell If You Are "Doing Business" In A Foreign State And Why It Is Important To Know
In our previous article on the Moe’s Southwest Grill case, posted June 16, 2015, we explained the importance of complying with state filing requirements to maintain limited liability status in any state where your company is regularly doing business. The case demonstrated how a failure to do so could cost your business the ability to protect its rights and have other substantial legal repercussions. Now, we take up the important question of what instate activities constitute “doing business” to require such state registration as a foreign entity.
Why Maintain Your Company Charter? Moe's Southwest Grill Will Tell You!
Co-Author: Jenny Morris, University of Maryland Law School, Class of 2017
Occasionally corporations and limited liability companies neglect to make the periodic filings required by their state of formation. Even more often, companies that open locations outside of their state of formation do not register as a foreign entity with that other state's business regulatory agency. The May 29, 2015 decision by the Maryland Court of Special Appeals in Guy Named Moe LLC T/A Moe’s Southwest Grill v. Chipotle Mexican Grill of Colorado LLC et al., No. 2270, Sept. Term 2013, is an important reminder to restaurant operators and other business owners of just how dangerous it can be for a company to ignore those basic state filing requirements.
NLRB Issues Advice Memo Finding That Franchisor Is Not Joint Employer
On April 28, 2015 the National Labor Relations Board (“NLRB”), Office of the General Counsel, issued an Advice Memorandum to the NLRB’s Chicago area regional office finding that a restaurant franchisor and its Chicago area development agent are not joint employers with a Chicago franchisee. This is an important development in light of the current pursuit by the NLRB’s General Counsel of joint employer cases against McDonald’s Corporation.
Federal Trade Commission Cracking Down on Professional Associations That Inhibit Competition
While it is tempting for a professional association to tell its members not to “poach” each others’ customers, doing so violates federal antitrust law.
Appeals Court Upholds "Silent Fraud" Jury Verdict under Franchise Investment Law
If your franchise offering document is silent on key issues, you can be liable if your people “oversell” to a potential franchisee. Better to deal with the issue in carefully vetted writing than to be surprised by something your people say off the cuff.
Enforcing Quality Standards in Hotel Franchise Agreements
A franchisor’s diligence in conducting and documenting quality assurance inspections is as important as ever, particularly if the franchisor seeks to exercise its ultimate weapon – termination of the franchise agreement. Prudent inspection and documentation practices are particularly crucial in the many U.S.
What's the Value-Add of a "Full-Service" Law Firm?
Over the past decade I have been a solo legal services provider, then managing member of a boutique firm, and then a part of a much larger firm, Whiteford Taylor & Preston, since 2011. So I have really seen the legal profession from all sides—and of course, like all lawyers, I have heard the grumbles from clients about “big law firms.”
So maybe my three-faceted experience in providing legal services will help you gain some perspective as well.
Recent Franchise Non-Compete Cases Show Unpredictability of Enforcement
Recent cases involving attempted enforcement of covenants not to compete by franchisors show the unpredictability of the results in such cases. However, careful reading of the factual circumstances of the cases also supports the adage that “bad facts make bad law.” So it behooves franchisors to check whether they have a sympathetic case on the facts when trying to enforce their non-competes.
Restaurant and Retail Franchisors: Could This Be You in 2014?
The case of Wojcik v. Interarch, Inc., currently pending in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois against the fast casual restaurant franchisor Saladworks, LLC, contains a factual scenario that should serve as a valuable reminder for existing franchisors who are updating their Franchise Disclosure Document (“FDD”) for use in 2014, for companies beginning the offer of franchise rights, and for prospective franchisees who are investigating opportunities. Bottom Line: Franchisors need to be careful not to underestimate site development costs, ongoing operating costs, and the challenges of opening locations in geographic areas not familiar with their brands.
Another Court Ruling Shows Franchisors the Value of Providing an Item 19 FPR
Franchisors cannot rely on disclaimers in the contracts and FDD to protect against claims of providing false financial information.
Severe Consequences for Franchisor Executives: Personal Liability and Non-dischargeable Debt
“Do not pass Go, do not collect $200” is a phrase we all remember from the childhood game Monopoly. Like Monopoly, state franchise sales laws have rules and regulations that must be followed. A franchisor’s failure to follow these basic procedural rules for selling franchises can result in self-destruction.
Is California's "Good Faith" Franchise Legislation Necessary or Meaningful?
On May 28, the California Senate passed S.B. 610, which is an amendment to California’s Franchise Relations Act (the “CFRA”). The bill has been introduced in California’s General Assembly and was referred to that body’s Judiciary Committee on June 10.
"Gangland" Judicial Opinion is a Reminder of Liability for Franchisees and Their Franchisors
In Ford v. Palmden Restaurants, LLC, the Court of Appeals of California issued a strong reminder to both restaurant franchisees and their franchisors of their potential liability for criminal conduct that takes place on a restaurant’s premises. While the legal principles at issue differ for franchisees and franchisors, this potential liability is one that neither can ignore.
Contingency Planning for the Business Owner -- Are You Covered?
Most of the work that I do for franchise owners falls into two categories: (1) helping to evaluate a potential franchise opportunity and negotiating the franchise agreement and real estate lease, and (2) evaluating potential exit strategies from the franchise and/or claims against the franchisor. While grateful to serve in that capacity, I worry whether franchisees and other small business owners are adequately planning for and protecting against their own death or disability. This article outlines some legal and practical estate planning issues that each person should address.
NLRB "Pushing the Envelope" to Protect Employees' Rights to Communicate Online
Through its recent activities the current National Labor Relations Board (“NLRB”) has indicated its determination to make itself relevant to all U.S. employees (and employers), by focusing a less prominent part of its authority -- to insure that “Employees shall have the right . . . to engage in other concerted activities for the purpose of . . . mutual aid or protection.” Among the areas where this emphasis is being shown is the ability of employers to limit employees’ use of social media networks such as Facebook to communicate with each other.
Shopping Center Leases and Franchises: A Landlord's Checklist
Because of their brand recognition, consistency of operation and support network, franchised businesses can be wonderful tenants at shopping centers and other multi-use commercial properties. Franchisees are small business owners with substantial investments and drive to succeed, but who are able to use brands and business systems that provide competitive advantages. However, a lease with a franchisee raises concerns separate and distinct from those with independent small business owners or with regional or national chain store operators.
The Power of Association: Auto Dealer Protection Laws
Through effective trade associations and lobbying efforts, during the last century automobile dealer franchises in the United States convinced state governments to give them significant protection against commercial abuse or unfair dealing by the manufacturer or supplier franchisors. Franchisees in other industries could learn from that example.
The Tie That Binds: Non-Competition Covenants Under Maryland Law
Co-Author: Allan P. Hillman, Kern & Hillman
A covenant not to compete is a limited restraint of trade that, in many situations, restricts the freedom of an individual or business seller who is no longer associated in any way with the person or entity that the covenant benefits. These restraints are most common in employment relationships and also are customarily included in franchise agreements. Because sale of business covenants are almost always enforced, and there are few Maryland cases (none recent) evaluating them, in this article we address employer and franchise covenants.
Can I Stop “Bargain Basement Pricing” of My Branded Products?
While the continuous growth of Internet-based commerce has to lower prices for many consumer shopping for goods, it has been a major problem for many “bricks and mortar” retailers and also has caused concerns for product manufacturers who want to insure quality experiences for customers purchasing their goods. The question is the extent to which manufacturers may, under applicable U.S. anti-trust and competition law, take steps to protect the image of their brand as well as stopping the “e-tailers” from "free-riding" on the promotion efforts of traditional retailers.
Could Your Association’s Chapter Program Be Considered a Franchise System?
In Girl Scouts of Manitou Council, Inc. v. Girl Scouts of the United States of America, Inc., 646 F.3d 983 (7th Cir. 2011), the U.S. Court of Appeals for Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin held that the national Girl Scouts organization, a nonprofit incorporated by an Act of Congress, violated the Wisconsin Fair Dealership Law by dissolving a local Wisconsin chapter of the national organization “without good cause.” The 2011 decision is notable both because of its author, the extremely well-known, respected and conservative Judge Richard Posner, and because of the language used by the Court in rejecting the Girl Scouts of the United States’ arguments for immunity based on its nonprofit mission. This article is designed to help the leaders of nonprofit organizations and associations identify ways to mitigate risks posed by this decision.
Franchising and its Growth Alternatives
Compliance costs and ongoing challenges of obtaining financing for new businesses have led many companies seeking growth to search for alternatives to franchising. These efforts, while quite understandable, have legal and practical implications.
Is That Really My Problem? Case Highlights Need to Verify Franchise Disclosure Data
A recent decision in A Love of Food I, LLC v. Maoz Vegetarian USA, Inc. , Case No. AW-10-2352, Bus. Franchise Guide (CCH) ¶ 14,633 (decided July 7, 2011), the United States District Court for the District of Maryland, in denying a motion to dismiss, highlighted the need for franchisors to vigilantly update their government-required disclosure document to maintain its accuracy, while also providing a valuable reminder as to the geographic scope of state franchise sales laws’ application.
Can They Really Do That? Franchisees' Liability for Lost Future Royalties after Store Failure
In its recent decision of Meineke Car Care Centers, Inc. v. RBL Holdings, LLC, et al., Case No. 09-2030, Bus. Franchise Guide (CCH) ¶ 14,586 (decided April 14, 2011), the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit provided valuable guidance on one of the most important legal issues for franchisors and franchisees. Specifically, if a franchisee closes franchised businesses that it can no longer afford to operate, can its franchisor obtain a judgment for “lost future royalties” that it would have earned had the businesses continued to operate?
Talking to your competitors can be risky
Two recent guilty pleas announced by the U.S. Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division highlight an underappreciated area of serious legal liability – price coordination in violation of the Sherman Act.
NEWSLETTERS
Associations, Nonprofits and Political Organizations Report - Fall 2022
What You Need To know About the FEC's Prior Approval Rule
Protecting Against Increased Antitrust Risks in a More Aggressive Enforcement and LItigation Environment
O-1 Visa Issues
State Mandated Retirement Plans
Attorney Spotlight-Mark Franco
Associations, Nonprofits and Political Organizations Report - Summer 2020
Whiteford's COVID-19 Resource Page
Are YOU Ready for Your PPP Forgiveness Application?
Associations Creating Community Podcasts - Globally
Recent Presentations
Announcements
PRESENTATIONS
Webinar: 10 Recruiting Approaches to Help Address Your Labor Shortages
NEWS
A Record 87 Whiteford Attorneys Listed in Best Lawyers in America 2024, Ten Selected as “Ones to Watch”
David Cahn to Chair MSBA's Business Law Section Council
73 Whiteford Attorneys Listed in Best Lawyers in America 2023, Six Selected as “Lawyer of the Year”
75 Whiteford Attorneys Listed in Best Lawyers in America 2022, Eight Named “Ones to Watch”
71 Whiteford Attorneys Listed in Best Lawyers in America 2021, Six Named “Lawyer of the Year”
64 Whiteford Attorneys Listed in Best Lawyers in America 2020, Five Named “Lawyer of the Year”
David Cahn Selected As A Franchise Times Legal Eagle for 2016
Whiteford, Taylor & Preston is pleased to announce that David Cahn, Chair of the firm's Franchise Law group, has been selected as a Franchise Times Legal Eagle for 2016. This ranks David in the top 150 franchising attorneys in North America.
David Cahn Recognized in Who's Who Legal for Franchise Law
Whiteford, Taylor & Preston is delighted to announce that David Cahn has been selected in the International Who’s Who of Franchise Lawyers. He is one of fewer than 400 lawyers worldwide to receive this designation.
David Cahn Named to International Who's Who of Franchise Lawyers
Whiteford Taylor & Preston is pleased to announce that David L. Cahn has been selected for the latest edition of the International Who's Who of Franchise Lawyers. He is one of only 150 lawyers in the United States listed in this reference and one of only two in Maryland.
David L. Cahn Earns Certified Franchise Executive Designation
Whiteford Taylor & Preston is pleased to announce that David L. Cahn, the head of the firm’s Franchise Law practice, has been recognized as a Certified Franchise Executive by the Institute of Certified Franchise Executives.
Franchise Attorney David Cahn Joins Whiteford, Taylor & Preston
Whiteford, Taylor & Preston is delighted to announce that David L. Cahn has joined the firm's Baltimore office as Counsel.
The firm's managing partner, Martin T. Fletcher, said, "We are very pleased to welcome David to the firm. His established franchise practice is highly complementary to our business practices and an excellent strategic fit for our mid-market focus."