Franchising Starts with the Right Legal Foundation
At The Internicola Law Firm we’ve helped over 300 brands franchise their business the right way — combining legal compliance with growth strategy that closes deals. Ranked the #1 Franchise Law Firm in the U.S. (2025) by Entrepreneur Magazine, we represent emerging and growth-stage brands in all 50 states.
Franchising isn’t just a set of documents — it’s a transformation of your business model, brand, and growth strategy. Our franchise lawyers will guide you from your first Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) to your first deal, and beyond.
What “Franchise My Business” Really Means
When you franchise your business, you’re granting independent owners — franchisees — the right to operate under your brand, using your systems, and paying you fees and royalties.
To do this legally — and successfully — you’ll need:
- A Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) that meets federal and state laws
- State registrations or notice filings
- Franchise agreements that align with your growth strategy
- Trademark protection for your brand
- A sales-ready structure for territories, fees, and Item 19
For a complete deep dive, see our Ultimate Guide to Franchising Your Business.
7 Steps to Franchise Your Business
Franchising your business involves seven legal and strategic steps. Here’s the high-level roadmap — click each step to learn more.
- Determine if Franchising Is Right for Your Business
Assess scalability, profitability, industry fit, and your personal goals.
→ Learn if your business is ready to franchise - Prepare and Issue Your Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD)
Drafted by a franchise lawyer, your FDD must comply with federal and state franchise laws.
→ Read about the FDD - Develop Your Franchise Operations Manual
A confidential guide for your franchisees that sets standards and procedures.
→ See our operations manual guidance - Register Your Trademarks
Protect your brand nationwide through USPTO registration.
→ Trademark protection for franchisors - Establish Your Franchise Company
Form the legal entity that will own and operate your franchise system.
→ Franchise Launch legal program - Register and File Your FDD
Complete state registrations or notice filings before offering franchises.
→ State-by-state franchise law library - Create Your Franchise Sales Strategy and Budget
Build a go-to-market plan that supports sustainable growth.
→ Franchise Growth Counsel legal program
For the full explanation of each step, visit our Ultimate Guide to Franchising Your Business.
Why Start with Internicola
- #1 Franchise Law Firm in the U.S. — Entrepreneur Magazine (2025)
- 300+ Brands Represented Nationwide
- Fixed-Fee Programs — no hourly billing surprises
- 50-State Coverage for FDDs, filings, and compliance
- FranIQ® Compliance Platform for tracking deadlines, registrations, and deal docs
- International Expansion Guidance — Including Canada, UK, Australia, China, South America, UAE, Saudi Arabia
→ Learn about our Nationwide Franchise Legal Services
FAQ: “Franchise My Business”
Q: How long does it take to franchise?
Typically 90–120 days from kickoff to FDD issuance, depending on state registrations.
Q: How much does it cost to franchise?
$26,000–$34,000 depending on your business model and goals.
→ See Franchise Launch legal program pricing
Q: Can I franchise internationally?
Yes — we guide U.S. franchisors through international expansion, trademarks, and local legal requirements.
Q: Do I need a lawyer or can a consultant do this?
Only a franchise lawyer can legally prepare and register your FDD. Consultants cannot handle the legal side.
→ Franchise Lawyers vs. Consultants
Franchise Your Business the Right Way
Get legal protection, strategic alignment, and a growth-focused launch plan through our Franchise Launch Program → Book Your Free Franchise Strategy Call!