Joseph Dunn Email and Phone Number

Primarily representing franchisors, their founders and investors for over 25 years. I assist companies from start-ups to publicly listed firms plan, structure, implement and expand franchise, distribution, and licensing programs.

My practice focuses on business transactions and commercial litigation with an emphasis on franchise and distribution matters. Negotiate and draft intellectual property licensing agreements and other commercial contracts including stock and asset purchase agreements, financing agreements, shareholder and employment agreements and procurement contracts as well as joint venture agreements and other strategic alliances. Represent both buyers and sellers in mergers and acquisitions, advise on corporate structure and formation and conduct due diligence on acquisition targets. Register, maintain and enforce trademarks and copyrights. Represent the firm’s clients in planning, structuring and implementing franchise programs, including drafting disclosure documents, agreements and the subsequent registration and renewals of franchise offerings. Represent the firm’s franchise and general commercial clients in both the federal courts and in private arbitrations, relating to breach of system standards, terminations, employment matters, trademark infringement, restrictive covenants and contract disputes, including securing preliminary and permanent injunctions.

Responsible for enforcing system standards and advised corporate officers and managers on legal and regulatory issues and compliance. Duties included negotiating and concluding contracts and agreements as well as the protection of the AAMCO trademark. Responsible for all employment related issues including sexual harassment and discrimination and drafted AAMCO’s employee handbook.

Represent business clients in litigation matters including defending breach of contract, fraud, RICO, harassment and other employment claims. Argued appeals before the U.S. Court of Appeals and Pennsylvania Superior Court on ERISA and employment cases. Arbitrated, negotiated and resolved commercial contract disputes. Advised corporate clients on FMLA and ADA issues and regulations.