Product Distribution for Manufacturers
Manufacturers need to ensure the independent dealers and distributors authorized to sell and service their trademarked products meet high standards. Our product distribution team offers “one-stop shopping” for manufacturers in implementing and refining their go-to-market strategy, optimizing it for both growth and profitability.
Our product distribution lawyers routinely receive recognition as some of the best in the field from Chambers USA™, Best Lawyers in America™ and Super Lawyers™ and hold leadership positions in bar associations, including the ABA Antitrust Law Section.™ What sets us apart?
- Drawing upon decades of experience, we understand the business of manufacturing, both strategically and operationally. We harness that understanding to help manufacturers structure robust, efficient, and resilient distribution networks.
- We use our knowledge of intellectual property to help manufacturers — through advice and negotiation, if possible, and litigation if necessary.
- Our reputation as aggressive litigators helps manufacturers minimize their exposure to litigation in the first place.
- Our recognized commitment to client service and value for legal spend forges long-term partnerships with our clients. We use various retainer, fixed fee, and similar agreements to handle matters on economical terms.
Value Added Services for Product Distribution Clients
When we share our experience with manufacturer clients, it is not always on a fee-for-service basis. One of the many ways in which Foley is proactive in trying to ensure that our clients know what they need to know is through frequent newsletters, client alerts, and our nationally acclaimed Annual Law of Product Distribution & Franchise Seminar, now in its 33rd year.
Another benefit for our clients is access to our interactive distribution law map identifying the constantly changing state laws that govern distribution and franchising.
Monitoring and Challenging Federal and State Distribution and Dealership Laws
Rather than merely reporting on new state laws after they have been enacted, we regularly monitor and report on proposed legislation that would impose further regulations on distribution and franchise relationships. As appropriate, we enlist the resources of Foley’s Government Solutions team to help clients build and maintain effective relationships with federal and state legislators and regulators. When the government imposes regulations that our clients find unacceptable, we have been on the forefront of challenging franchise and dealer laws in court — as with our challenge recent successful on behalf of agricultural equipment manufacturers to amendments to the North Dakota Farm Equipment Dealers Act.
