Antitrust, marketing, and trade regulation lawyers handle legal issues that arise in connection with the marketing and sale of goods and services. The business team here at Beard St. Clair has expertise in marketing and distribution, antitrust law, franchising, multilevel sales, and sales under the Uniform Commercial Code.

We counsel clients on compliance with federal and state antitrust laws and laws governing unfair competition. Areas of expertise include laws related to the relationship of manufacturers and distributors, antitrust regulation of merges and acquisitions, rules governing below-cost pricing and exclusionary practices, the Robinson-Patman price discrimination law, and other competition related regulations. We have experience before the Federal Trade Commission and the US Justice Department – Antitrust division.

Because the sale of goods and services involves a contractual relationship between the seller and buyer, our lawyers are knowledgeable in contract formation, warranties and remedies for breach of sales agreements. We draft sales and distribution agreements, give advice on the applicability of various laws, and counsel on distribution methods.

Franchising is regulated extensively by both state and federal laws. We handle preparation and negotiations of franchise agreements and franchise offering documents, give advice concerning regulatory compliance and handle disputes between franchisors and franchisees. We also counsel franchisors and franchisees on business organizations, business planning, financing, shareholder disputes, and other business aspects.

Not all business is sui1ted for franchising. We here at Beard St. Clair are experienced in counseling clients on legal aspects of other distribution systems such as distributors, dealers, licensees, and lessees.