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NEWS FROM AROUND THE WORLD. LATIN AMERICA. Franchising is not specifically regulated in most of Latin American countries. Franchising is regulated by general provisions of civil and commercial laws.
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NEWS FROM AROUND THE WORLD LATIN AMERICA
Franchising is not specifically regulated in most of Latin American countries. • Franchising is regulated by general provisions of civil and commercial laws. • Other related local laws may be applicable to franchising: industrial property, tax (international treaties), foreign investments, foreign currency restrictions, labor, consumer protection, antitrust laws.
Latin American countries with specific franchise legislation: Brazil and Mexico. • Brazil: Law No. 8955/94. Required disclosure document. Most relevant developments relate to trademark matters. • Mexico: Industrial Property Law, amended in 2006 (required disclosure document, requisites of franchise agreements).
Other countries with special references to franchising: Peru (optional recording of franchise agreements); Paraguay (trademark licenses through franchises are regulated by trademark laws); Venezuela (Guidelines on franchise agreements). • General tendency in the region: develop franchise laws. • Commerce chambers and associations promote adoption of franchise legislation in each country. • Preliminary stage: ethic codes on franchising (Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Guatemala, Venezuela). • Solution: Copying foreign models?
Most important concerns when a franchise system is expanded internationally: • Protection of IP rights. • Legal restrictions (i.e. tax, foreign investments, foreign currency, labor, consumer protection, antitrust laws). • Understand local uses, practices and culture. • Enforceability and remedies in the event of a breach. • Mandatory requirements for choice of law, jurisdiction, dispute resolution mechanisms or venue designations. • Contact experienced local counsel.
Jorge Mondragon Gonzalez Calvillo, S.C. Montes Urales 632, Piso 3 Lomas de Chapultepec, 11000, Mexico, D.F. T + (5255) 5202-7622 F + (5255) 5520-7671 jmondragon@gcsc.com.mx www.gcsc.com.mx