Franchise Law

Practice

If you need any helps, please feel free to contact us. We will get back to you with 1 business day. Or if in hurry, just call us now.

Call: +966 (0)12 6503 - 400/494

At MAK we are proud to be considered one of the leading law firms in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East with respects to its specialisation and experience in intellectual property matters, franchise, distributorship, agencies and license agreements. Our Founding Partner, Mr. Sharif Akkad, is considered a leading lawyer in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East, with respect to franchise, agencies, distributorship, intellectual property and license agreements and related matters. To date, MAK has advised and worked on more than (400) franchise, distributorship, agency and license agreements, including the following well-known brands: McDonald’s, Subway International, Calvin Klein, D&G, Guess, Fossil, Esprit, Rebook, Second Cup, Ikea, Levis, Cartier, Applebee’s, Outback Steakhouse, Mugg & Bean, Bonia, International, Reply, Max Mara, Stefanel, French Connection, Kika, Barnies, Ebel Watches, Sleep High, Go Sport, Tom Tailor, Vans Co. Ltd., Arabian Oud, Tony Roma’s Restaurant and Wing Zone.

MAK takes pride in being one of the first law firms in Saudi Arabia to pioneer work on Franchise Disclosure Documents, confirming the firm’s position as a leader in franchise law in Saudi Arabia. Our firm represents numerous clients in the franchise business in Saudi Arabia, some of our notable clients include the Al-Sawani Group (the largest franchise company in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East, Al-Hukar Group and Al-Shaya, Al-Fasaliah Group and Savola Group.

With over 20 years of expertise in franchising, agency, and intellectual property matters, our Founding and Managing Partner, Mr. Sharif Akkad, is a recognized authority in the field. He is a frequent speaker at the Saudi Chambers of Commerce & Investment and has been featured in over 50 local and international seminars across Bahrain, the UAE, Egypt, and the UK, sharing his insights on franchise agreements and regulatory frameworks. Throughout the years Mr. Sharif Akkad has contributed extensively to both local and international publications. Notably, he was entrusted with drafting a codified framework for Saudi franchise law at the request of the Riyadh Chamber of Commerce and Industry. His expertise in franchising have also earned him a place among just 13 legal experts worldwide invited to contribute to “In Good Company: Managing Intellectual Property Issues in Franchising” a prestigious publication by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), monitoring the most important intellectual property conventions (Paris and Berne). Mr. Sharif Akkad, has been given the honour to be the sole attorney from the Middle East selected for this prestigious project – further strengthening MAK’s reputation as a leading law firm in franchise law and assuring both existing and potential clients of our expertise in providing comprehensive legal support to businesses seeking expansion, both within Saudi Arabia and internationally.

MAK provides comprehensive legal services in franchise law and franchising across Saudi Arabia and the wider region, dealing with a diverse range of businesses, including multinational corporations.

Services provided by MAK

MAK provides legal advice and services, including inter alia, the following matters:

Drafting and negotiating franchise agreements, master franchise agreements, sub-franchise agreements and commercial franchise contracts;
Reviewing franchise agreements;
Preparing and advising on Shop-in-Shop franchise agreements;
Drafting and reviewing Franchise Disclosure Documents (FDDs);
Registering franchise agreements and FDDs with the relevant authorities;
Assisting with trademark registration and protection;
Offering legal solutions and advice on contractual relationships and disputes between franchisors and franchisees;
Advising on franchise prospectus for foreign and local franchisees; and
Ensuring compliance with local franchise laws and regulatory requirements set by the competent government authorities.

Completed and ongoing projects

Our firm has successfully advised on a wide range of local and international franchising matters,ensuring the highest standards of legal expertise and service across these areas, including, but not limited to, the following:

International

MAK advised the globally renowned brand Subway International on various legal matters relating to its operations in Saudi Arabia. This included comprehensive advice on Franchise Agreements and the Development Agent Agreement in line with Saudi laws and regulations. MAK also advised on the assignment and registration of franchise agreements, the imposition of interest on royalties, and the selection of governing law provisions, ensuring full compliance with local regulatory requirements.
MAK advised on the Franchise Agreements in connection with the well-known international brand Vans.
MAK advised the well-known international brand Second Cup coffee shop on its Sub-Franchise Agreement and carried out all the required procedures to register the said agreement before the competent authorities in Saudi Arabia.
MAK prepared and advised on the Agency Agreement in connection with the well-known international brand Cartier.
MAK advised on the Franchise Agreements of the well-known international brand French Connection.
MAK prepared and advised on a Standard Single-Unit Franchise Agreement for Spectrum, a well-known wellness brand, in connection with the establishment of a women’s wellness center operating on a medical basis in Saudi Arabia.
MAK prepared and advised on a Master Franchise Agreement for the well-known international brand Belimo.
MAK advised on the Distributorship Agreement for Skiny Bodywear, covering the sale of men’s underwear, aquawear, and nightwear in Saudi Arabia. Our firm provided comprehensive legal support, including ensuring compliance with local laws and regulations, and managed all necessary procedures for registering the agreement with the competent authorities in Saudi Arabia.
MAK advised on the Distributorship Agreement for the brand Marco o’ Polo for the sale of garments and carried out all the required procedures to register the said agreement before the competent authorities in Saudi Arabia.
MAK advised on the Distributorship Agreement of the brand Tom Tailor for the sale of garments and carried out all the required procedures to register the said agreement before the competent authorities in Saudi Arabia.
MAK prepared and advised on a standard International Distributorship Agreement for the Chinese stationary brand Hello Partners in multiple jurisdictions (including Saudi Arabia and Turkey).
MAK advised on the Franchise Agreements for the brand Mugg & Bean coffee shops and restaurants and carried out all the required procedures to register the said agreement before the competent authorities in Saudi Arabia.
MAK advised on the Distributorship Agreement for the brand Bonia bags and shoes and carried out all the required procedures to register the agreement before the competent authorities in Saudi Arabia.
MAK prepared and advised on the Franchise Agreement of the well-known US based restaurant chain Outback Steakhouse in Saudi Arabia.
MAK prepared a Standard Master Franchise Agreement and Single Unit Franchise Agreement for the brand Dorchester to be used inside and outside Saudi Arabia.
MAK advised on the Franchise Agreements in connection with the brand Ecowash.
MAK advised on the Franchise Agreements in connection with the brand CHOPSTICKS.
MAK prepared and advised on a Franchise Standard Shop-In-Shop Agreement for an international brand to be distributed and sold in Al-Obekan Bookstore.
MAK advised on the Distributor Agreement of multiple well-known brands including ALEP Nature, Cerruti Baleri, KAS, KIKA, Minirobots, Kodak and Silsal.
MAK advised on the Franchise Agreements of the well-known café brand the Crêpe Café.
MAK advised on the Commercial Agency Agreements of the brand Artline.
MAK advised on the Franchise Agreements of the brand Four Frontiers.
MAK prepared a Standard Distribution Agreement for the brand Gemma Ceramic to be used in Saudi Arabia.
MAK advised on the Franchise Agreement of the well-known café chain brand Caffè Italiano.
MAK advised on the Franchise Agreements for the brand Edible.
MAK advised on the Duffy dealership and distribution agreement for the sale of Duffy Electric Boats.
MAK advised on Marquis Yachts dealership and Distribution Agreement for the sale of well-known brand Marquis Yachts.
MAK advised on the License Agreement for the brand Ocean Basket restaurants and carried out all the required procedures to register the said agreement before the competent authorities in Saudi Arabia.
MAK advised on the Distributorship Agreement for the brand Jacqueline Riu and carry out all the required procedures to register the said agreement before the competent authorities in Saudi Arabia.
MAK advised on and carried out all the required procedures to register the Distributorship Agreement for the brand Textura before the competent authorities in Saudi Arabia.
MAK advised on and carried out all the required procedures to register the Distributorship Agreement for the brand Mr. Clou before the competent authorities in Saudi Arabia.
MAK advised on and carried out all the required procedures to register the Distributorship Agreement for the brand Huber before the competent authorities in Saudi Arabia.
MAK advised on all the required procedures to register the Agency Agreement for the brand Venice Beach before the competent authorities in Saudi Arabia, as instructed by a Saudi joint-stock company.
MAK advised on the Exclusive License Agreement for the brand InterAxe Canada Immigration in accordance with the laws of Saudi Arabia.
MAK advised on the Master License Agreement for the brand Tasty Image The World Of Your Chocolate!™ and carried out all the required procedures to register the said agreement before the competent authorities in Saudi Arabia.
MAK advised on the License Agreement for the brand Fastrack in accordance with the laws and regulations of Saudi Arabia.
MAK prepared and advised on a standard exclusive Distributorship Agreement for the brand Hastens.
MAK prepared the Master Distribution Agreement and the franchise agreement for the well-known chocolate brand Tartine & Chocolate.

KSA and Middle East region:

MAK prepared and advised on a Single Unit and Area Development Franchise Agreement for the well-known brand barns café (formerly known as Barnies Cake).
MAK prepared a Standard Area Development Franchise Agreement and Single Unit Franchise Agreement for the famous Saudi brand Shawarmer. The said agreements will be used inside and outside Saudi Arabia.
MAK prepared a Standard Area Development Franchise Agreement and Single Unit Franchise Agreement for the Saudi brand Sleep High (one of the largest companies in Saudi Arabia in mattresses, beds and pillows. The said agreements will be used inside and outside Saudi Arabia.
MAK prepared and advised a Standard Area Development Franchise Agreement and a Single Unit Franchise Agreement for the brand Steak House Restaurants.
MAK prepared and advised on a Standard Area Development Franchise Agreement for the famous Saudi restaurant brand Al Shami Restaurants.
MAK advised on the Franchise Agreements in connection with the well-known brand Riva.
MAK advised on the Commercial Agency Agreement for the brand Focus Euro in connection with radio technology projects.
MAK prepared Franchise Agreement for well-known brand the Naan Plus.
MAK prepared and advised on a Standard Distributorship Agreement of the brand AlNukaly.
MAK prepared a Standard Franchise Agreement for the well-known Saudi brand Zohoor Alreef to sell fragrance, oils, cotton musk and bath and body layering to be used inside and outside Saudi Arabia.
MAK prepared and advised on a Standard Area Development Franchise Agreement for a Saudi brand to manufacture traditional Saudi clothing.
MAK prepared and advised on a Standard Area Development Franchise, Single Unit Franchise Agreement and Sub-Franchise Agreement for a Saudi brand Baja that produces fine nuts, coffee, teas and dried fruits. The said agreements were prepared for the purpose of being used inside and outside Saudi Arabia. MAK also prepared the letter of intent for area development in English for the same brand.
MAK prepared and advised on the standard letters of intent and memorandums of understanding in connection with potential franchise opportunities and agreements for the brand Hot stones. MAK also prepared A Standard Area Development Franchise Agreement and Single Unit Franchise Agreement for the same brand Hot Stones, engaged in the spa business in Saudi Arabia.
MAK prepared and advised on a Standard Sub-Franchise Agreement for the brand Remax Arabia to be used inside Saudi Arabia.