Patrick J. Maslyn

Before founding Maslyn Law PLC, Mr. Maslyn was Chair of the nationally-ranked Franchising & Distribution Practice Group for a 1000-lawyer international law firm.

Franchise Law Experience

Mr. Maslyn has extensive experience working with all of the laws and regulations affecting franchises in the United States. He has helped countless start-up franchisors and several Fortune 20 companies structure their franchise systems and manage their franchisee networks. In many cases, Mr. Maslyn has effectively served as his clients outside general counsel, providing advice and counseling in areas like antitrust, intellectual property, sourcing and advertising issues in addition to drafting Franchise Agreements, Development Agreements, and Franchise Disclosure Documents, filing state franchise registration and exemption applications, and providing periodic counseling on compliance with the complicated patchwork of state franchise relationship laws.

Representative Experience (Click to View)

Distribution Law Experience

Mr. Maslyn has worked with nearly every form of distribution model currently used – including, for example, franchising, licensing, dealerships, sales representatives, business opportunities and private label manufacturing. This depth of experience allows Mr. Maslyn to provide his clients effective, prompt and efficient advice on choosing the best business model for them. Also, his experience with a vast array of industries allows him to recognize the nuances of state laws that may create traps for clients operating in particular market niches.

Representative Experience (Click to View)

Alcoholic Beverages

Mr. Maslyn has represented alcoholic beverage manufacturers, distributors and retailers in connection with a variety of regulatory areas and relationship issues.

Representative Experience (Click to View)

Education

Juris Doctor, The George Washington University Law School, 1997
Bachelor of Arts, Miami University, 1992

Diplomacy & Foreign Affairs
Economics

Bar Admissions

Virginia State Bar, 1997
District of Columbia Bar, 1998

Professional Memberships/Leadership Positions

American Bar Association Forum on Franchising

Member since 1997

2005 International Franchise Association Legal Symposium Task Force
2006 International Franchise Association Legal Symposium Task Force
Virginia State Bar, Antitrust, Franchise & Trade Regulation Section

Member since 2005
Secretary, 2006-2007
Vice-Chair, 2007-2008
Chair, 2008-2009
Immediate Past Chair, 2009-currently

Professional Rankings/Recognition

Nationally-ranked by Chambers USA for Franchising – 2007, 2008 and 2009
Named a “Rising Star” for Franchise/Dealership in Virginia Super Lawyers – 2008 and 2009

Publications

Co-author, Contractual and Business Aspects of Structuring Supplier Agreements, American Bar Association 30th Annual Forum on Franchising, October 2007.
Author, “Virginia Amends Franchise Registration Law,” Franchising World, May 2007.
Co-author, “Partnering with Terrorists? Are You Sure?” Franchising World, February 2006.
Co-author, Franchise Agreement Drafting, International Franchise Association 38th Annual Legal Symposium, May 2005.
Co-author, “Looking Anew at Accounting Duties: Revisions Raise Prospect of Consolidation by Franchisors of Franchisee Data,” New York Law Journal, April 19, 2004.

Speeches

Speaker, Contractual and Business Aspects of Structuring Supplier Agreements, American Bar Association 30th Annual Forum on Franchising, October 2007.
Moderator/Speaker, Best Practices in Handling Default and Termination for Established Franchisors, 47th Annual International Franchise Association Convention, February 2007.
Moderator/Speaker, Franchise Agreement Drafting, International Franchise Association 38th Annual Legal Symposium, May 2005.
Speaker, Understanding and Negotiating a Franchise Agreement, Joint Program, District of Columbia Bar, Maryland State Bar, Virginia State Bar, November 2003.