Insights into Franchise Ombuds Programs

Canadian Business Franchise is publishing a five-part series of articles about independent Ombuds for disputes between franchisors and their franchisees. Written by Frank Zaid, a corporate attorney and franchise mediator, the articles explain the benefits and features of a Franchise Ombuds.

In his first article, Zaid said:

[F]ranchisors should be focusing more attention on ways to avoid or resolve potential litigation at an early stage. [¶] To do so and to minimize the negative effects of litigation on the parties involved—and on the franchising sector in general—both the Canadian Franchise Association (CFA) and the International Franchise Association (IFA) have established ombudsman programs for franchisors and franchisees to use, at no charge. As these programs face certain limitations in terms of time and resources, however, some franchise systems have also created their own independent franchise system ombudsman programs, for use only by the franchisor and franchisees within the system. 

(CBF Magazine Blog.)

Related posts: International Franchise Association Touts Ombuds Program; Interview of McDonald’s Ombuds; International Franchise Association’s Ombuds Program Marks 10th Anniversary; The Role of Ombuds in Franchise Disputes.