Attorney Profile
Mr. Maslyn has extensive experience working with all of the laws and regulations affecting franchises in the United States. He has helped countless start-up franchisors and several Fortune 20 companies structure their franchise systems and manage their franchisee networks. In many cases, Mr. Maslyn has effectively served as his franchisor clients as more than just their franchise lawyer, but as outside general counsel, providing advice and counseling in areas like antitrust, intellectual property, sourcing and advertising issues in addition to drafting Franchise Agreements, Development Agreements, and Franchise Disclosure Documents, filing state franchise registration and exemption applications, and providing periodic counseling on compliance with the complicated patchwork of state franchise relationship laws.
Representative Experience
- Served as General Counsel for multi-brand franchisor that took on a multi-million dollar minority private equity investment.
- Represented numerous start-up franchise companies in development and implementation of new franchise programs.
- Obtained state franchise registrations and franchise exemptions in every state.
- Served as lead U.S. franchise lawyer for several Fortune 500 companies.
- Represented one of the largest companies in the world in the disposition of the assets of a 900-unit franchise system.
- Lobbied the Virginia legislature to revise the Virginia Retail Franchising Act to provide more opportunities for franchisors to become registered to or be exempt from registering to offer and sell franchises in Virginia.
- Conducted numerous franchise compliance training programs for executives and franchise salespeople.
- Represented franchisors in formal and informal administrative proceedings before various state franchise administrative agencies and the Federal Trade Commission.
- Prepared of international franchise documents for use in many countries throughout North America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East.
- Negotiated franchise agreements and supply relationships.
Distribution Lawyer
Mr. Maslyn has worked with nearly every form of distribution model currently used – including, for example, franchising, licensing, dealerships, sales representatives, business opportunities and private label manufacturing. This depth of experience allows Mr. Maslyn to provide his clients effective, prompt and efficient advice on choosing the best business model for them. Also, his experience with a vast array of industries allows him to recognize the nuances of state laws that may create traps for clients operating in particular market niches.
Representative Experience
- Structuried and prepared all legal documentation for business opportunities.
- Drafted construction equipment, outdoor power equipment and appliance sales and services agreements.
- Counseled clients regarding dealer and distributor rights under various state laws affecting termination, non-renewal and other matters.
- Provided advice relating to non-competition covenants and dealer/distributor exclusivity.
- Structured and negotiated worldwide liquor distribution rights.
- Served as lead franchise lawyer for global alcoholic beverage conglomerate in management of its distribution system.
- Counseled clients on compliance with the Virginia Beer Franchise Act, the Virginia Wine Franchise Act and the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Act.
Education
- Juris Doctor, The George Washington University Law School, 1997
- Bachelor of Arts, Miami University, 1992
- Diplomacy & Foreign Affairs
- Economics
Bar Admissions
- Virginia State Bar, 1997
- District of Columbia Bar, 1998
Professional Memberships/Leadership Positions
- American Bar Association Forum on Franchising
- Member since 1997
- 2005 International Franchise Association Legal Symposium Task Force
- 2006 International Franchise Association Legal Symposium Task Force
- International Franchise Association Membership Committee
- 2012-2013
- Virginia State Bar, Antitrust, Franchise & Trade Regulation Section
- Member since 2005
- Secretary, 2006-2007
- Vice-Chair, 2007-2008
- Chair, 2008-2009
- Immediate Past Chair, 2009-2010
Professional Rankings/Recognition
- Listed in Who’s Who Legal – Franchise – 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014
- Maslyn Law PLC has been honored by Acquisition International as: 2013 Franchise Law Firm of the Year – USA, 2014 Franchise Law Firm of the Year – USA, and 2014 Franchise Disputes Firm of the Year – Virginia.
- Nationally-ranked by Chambers USA for Franchising – 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010
- Named a “Rising Star” for Franchise/Dealership in Virginia Super Lawyers – 2008, 2009 and 2010
- Listed in Who’s Who Legal – Franchise – 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014
