Top Franchise Legal Player: Debi Sutin of Gowling WLG

Debi Sutin is a Gowling WLG partner in Ontario, and a leading expert in Canadian franchise law with over three decades of experience. As a member of the firm's Business Law Group, she advises on corporate and commercial law, including mergers and acquisitions. Sutin is well respected for her practical business advice and in her role as a co-chair of the 2017 OBA Annual Franchise Law Conference.

1851 Franchise: What do you see as the most important things franchisors should do to protect their brand?

Debi Sutin: Franchisors should ensure that their name and trademarks are registrable in each country or jurisdiction in which they wish to develop their brand. They should then take the steps necessary to register their trademarks in those countries or jurisdictions.

1851: How important is the information in Item 19 of the Franchise Disclosure Document?

Sutin: The information in Item 19 is very important for prospective franchisees as they are always wanting to know how much money they can make and how profitable their franchise business can be. The information in Item 19 can assist them in their preparations for their own business plan, both for their own information and for purposes of seeking financing.

1851: What is the single largest legal mistake brands make?

Sutin: The single largest legal mistake brands make is not getting proper franchise legal advice and then expanding too quickly.

1851: How do you stand out as a franchise law firm?

Sutin: Gowling WLG has had a franchise-dedicated practice for many years, advising on all aspects of franchise, licensing and distribution law nationally and internationally. We pride ourselves in developing deep relationships with our clients to advise and assist them with all aspects of their franchise system and development. We are a full-service firm and can assist our franchise clients with all of their legal needs, including intellectual property protection, corporate structuring and advertising, and marketing regulatory.

I have practiced franchise law for over 30 years and have been involved in all aspects of franchise development with both startup and mature franchise systems.

1851: What is the best business advice you have received in your career?

Sutin: It is important to develop personal relationships with your clients from which you build additional trust beyond just the legal advice.