Overview
Franchise and Distribution
Nick represents franchisors and distribution clients in litigation, arbitration and mediation throughout the United States. He also advises them on pre-litigation dispute resolution and the franchisor-franchisee and manufacturer-distributor relationship, as well as compliance with franchise and distribution laws. He represents franchisors and distribution clients across industries that include restaurants, food and beverage, retail, leisure and fitness, health care, hospitality, office services, home services and other commercial and consumer services.
Nick is experienced in matters that include:
- State franchise laws
- FTC franchising rule
- Trademark infringement
- Breach of the franchise agreement or distribution agreement
- Post-termination rights
- System-wide disputes
- Disclosure and registration issues
- Supply chains
- Fraud claims
- Vicarious liability
- Joint employment
- Employee misclassification
Software
Nick also helps businesses resolve and litigate disputes about software development and implementation projects. He helps clients investigate potential claims and defenses, demand and negotiate resolution, and proceed through mediation, arbitration and/or litigation. He is experienced in navigating the complex software sales process, design phase and project contracts that underlie breach of contract and misrepresentation claims in software disputes.
Blockchain, Decentralized Systems and Digital Assets
Nick is knowledgeable on the rapidly-changing laws, regulations, and court decisions related to blockchain technologies, decentralized systems and digital assets. Leveraging his experience in software matters and background in web development, he advises companies on the business implications and legal hurdles arising from these new technologies.
Government Experience
Services & Industries
Credentials
Bar Admissions
Minnesota
Court Admissions
U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota
Education
University of Michigan Law School
J.D. cum laude, Michigan Telecommunications and Technology Law Review (associate editor) (2012)
University of Wisconsin, Madison
B.A. in Political Science and Journalism & Mass Communications (2006)
Experience
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May 2018 1 min readFranchisor Wins Summary Judgment and Attorneys’ Fees and Costs Against Franchisee who Abandoned BusinessCommercial Disputes Franchise & Distribution Litigation & Dispute Resolution
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February 2018 1 min readFranchisor's Board of Directors and Equity Investor Win Summary Judgment on Fraud ClaimsFranchise & Distribution Litigation & Dispute Resolution
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December 2017 1 min readRestaurant Franchisor Wins Summary Judgment to Defeat Tortious Interference ClaimCommercial Disputes Franchise & Distribution Litigation & Dispute Resolution
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July 2017 1 min readRestaurant Franchisor Achieves Dismissal of Joint Employment ClaimHospitality & Restaurants Food & Agribusiness Labor & Employment Franchise & Distribution Litigation & Dispute Resolution Employment Litigation
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May 2017 1 min readSoftware Developer Negotiates Resolution of Complex Software Development DisputeCommercial Disputes Litigation & Dispute Resolution
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1 min readFranchisor Wins Total Victory Against Franchisee Engaged in Trademark InfringementCommercial Disputes Franchise & Distribution Litigation & Dispute Resolution Trademark, Copyright, Advertising & Media
Insights & Events
Latest
Insights
Other Perspectives
- Minnesota
Co-author, Franchise Deskbook: Selected State Laws, Commentary and Annotations, Third Edition, June 2019
- Service Brands — You're Not Selling Burgers
Contributor, IFA Legal Symposium, May 2019 - Blockchain Litigation
Presenter, Minnesota Enterprise Blockchain Meetup, November 2018 - Statute of Limitations: Minnesota
Co-author, Practical Law, State Q&A, November 2018 - Joint Employer/Vicarious Liability: Practical Applications in Enforcing System Standards Without Exercising Too Much Control
Co-author, IFA Legal Symposium, May 2017 - State Franchise and Distribution Laws: Beyond the Terms of Your Dealer/Distributor Agreements
Co-author, RV Focus: A Newsletter for the RV Industry Professional, November 2015 - Franchise Law Chapter
Co-author, Minnesota Business Disputes: Claims and Remedies, 2nd edition, June 2015 - Understanding Franchise Law in Minnesota
Co-presenter, Minnesota State Bar Association CLE, June 2015
Leadership & Community
Pro Bono
- Hennepin County Housing Court
- Housing Litigation in Federal Court
- Employee Disqualification Matter Before the Minnesota Department of Human Services
Professional Associations
- International Franchise Association — Legal Symposium Task Force, 2019
- American Bar Association — Forum on Franchising
- Federal Bar Association
- Minnesota State Bar Association
- Hennepin County Bar Association
Honors
- Minnesota North Star Lawyer, 2013, 2015-17
- Faegre Baker Daniels — Pro Bono Honor Roll, 2013, 2015-17, 2019