Course overview
Franchising and licensing let a brand expand using other people's capital and effort, but they also hand control of that brand to parties the owner does not directly manage. The legal framework is what holds the arrangement together: it defines what the franchisee or licensee may do, how the brand and intellectual property are protected, how money flows, and what happens when the relationship sours. Weak frameworks produce brand damage and costly disputes.
This course, held at EuroQuest International Training, examines the legal structures behind franchising and licensing. Participants study franchise agreements and disclosure obligations, licensing agreements and IP protection, risk management and dispute resolution, and how practice varies across markets. Named concepts appear as educational subject matter; the course builds practical understanding and is not legal advice.
Why the framework protects the brand more than any contract term
A franchise or license multiplies a brand across locations and operators, and a single poorly controlled outlet can damage the whole system's reputation. The legal framework, disclosure that sets honest expectations, quality and brand-control provisions, clear IP licensing, and workable exit terms, is what keeps that risk contained. This course treats the framework as a system rather than a stack of clauses, since the interaction between disclosure, control, royalties, and termination is what determines whether an arrangement lasts.
What you will be able to do afterwards
By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
- Distinguish franchising from licensing by structure and parties.
- Assess the business case for choosing franchising or licensing.
- Structure core terms of a franchise agreement.
- Specify disclosure obligations and brand standards for franchisees.
- Negotiate license scope, territory, exclusivity, and royalties.
- Protect trademarks and other intellectual property in licensing.
- Diagnose risks that lead to termination and disputes.
- Adapt franchise systems to markets with differing regulation.
Course outline
Unit 1: Introduction to franchising and licensing
- How franchising and licensing differ.
- The parties and their respective interests.
- Business reasons for choosing each model.
- Where each arrangement typically fits.
Unit 2: Franchise agreements and compliance
- Core terms of a franchise agreement.
- Disclosure obligations and their purpose.
- Brand standards and quality control.
- Ongoing compliance and support duties.
Unit 3: Licensing agreements and IP protection
- License scope, territory, and exclusivity.
- Protecting trademarks and other IP.
- Royalties, fees, and payment terms.
- Quality control to preserve the licensed brand.
Unit 4: Risk management and dispute resolution
- Risks specific to franchise and license systems.
- Termination and its consequences.
- Resolving disputes between the parties.
- Protecting the brand when a relationship ends.
Unit 5: Global trends and best practices
- How franchising regulation varies by market.
- Cross-border franchising and licensing.
- Emerging models and their legal questions.
- Practices that keep systems durable.
How the course is delivered
The course is delivered through facilitated discussion, worked examples, and documented case studies of franchise and license arrangements, with structured conversation around participants' own situations. It is educational and not legal advice.
Who should attend
The course suits business owners, franchise and brand managers, commercial and licensing staff, and advisors who structure expansion through third parties. Those focused on the underlying assets will find Managing Intellectual Property and Patents a natural companion.
About EuroQuest International Training
EuroQuest International Training, founded in 2015 and headquartered in Bratislava, delivers professional courses to more than 15,000 participants across over 1,000 titles, in cities including Dubai, London, Barcelona, Istanbul, Vienna, Paris, and Geneva, led by experienced practitioners.
Frequently asked questions
Is franchising the same as licensing?
No. Franchising typically involves a whole business system with ongoing control and support, while licensing usually grants rights to use specific intellectual property. The course explains where the two overlap and differ.
Does the course cover the law of a specific country?
It treats legal frameworks as educational subject matter and notes that franchising regulation varies by market. It is not country-specific legal advice, and specific arrangements should be reviewed by local counsel.
Who carries the brand risk in a franchise?
The brand owner bears reputational risk across the whole system, which is why disclosure, quality control, and clear termination terms matter so much. The course examines how the framework manages that risk.
Related courses
- Understanding Commercial Contracts and Obligations
- Contract Negotiation and Drafting Best Practices
- International Business Law and Trade Regulations
- Dispute Resolution and Arbitration in Business
Register for this course
To reserve a place or ask about dates and in-house delivery, contact EuroQuest International Training and our team will help you arrange the details.
All Course Dates & Locations
26 dates · 14 cities · Oct 2026 – Jun 2027