Recent Blog Posts

• Strategies to Develop a Social Media Policy for Your Business Adam J. Siegelheim, Shareholder in Stark & Stark’s Franchise Group, authored the article, Strategies to Develop a Social Media Policy for Your Business, for the July 2011 edition of Mercer Business Magazine. In the article, Mr. Siegelheim the importance of businesses implementing a social media plan in order to avoid negative publicity through social media outlets. Mr. Siegelheim states that companies who do not proactively manage their brand through social media channels risk their online reputation being placed in the hands of disgruntled customers and employees. You can read the full article online here.   ....
• Stark & Stark Shareholder Offers New Services for Clients in the Franchise Industry Adam J. Siegelheim, Shareholder in Stark & Stark’s Franchise Group, was featured in the July 2011 Franchising Business & Law Alert article, Taking Client Services in Another Direction. The article discusses Mr. Sigelheim’s idea to offer intensive client services specifically designed to reduce franchisor-franchisee tensions and avoid litigation. In the article, Mr. Siegelheim, talks about the Proactive Franchise Legal Solutions Program the firm offers to clients in the franchise industry. You can read the full article online here.   ....
• Stark & Stark Attorney Facilitates Deal With Local Business Owner to Expand into China Adam J. Siegelhem, member of Stark & Stark’s Franchise Group, was mentioned in the June 1, 2011 US 1 Newspaper article, Thomas Sweet Scoops Up The Chinese Market. The article discusses there recent licensing deal for the Princeton ice cream maker, Thomas Sweet, to expand into China.   Mr. Siegelheim has worked with Marco Cucchi, Owner of Thomas Sweet in Princeton, New Jersey, in discussions of expanding his business into more New Jersey towns, the tri-state area, and other parts of the U.S.  Mr. Siegelheim assisted in finalizing the deal, which took place April 14, 2011 in the Stark & Stark Lawrenceville, New Jersey office.   You can read the full story detailing the expansion into China online here. ....
• 2011 International Franchise Association's Legal Symposium Recap Adam J. Siegelheim, member of Stark & Stark’s Franchise Group, was the featured guest on the May 19, 2011 Franchise Today Podcast Series. Mr. Siegelheim was joined by Paul Segreto, Franchise Today host, and Joe Caruso, Franchise Today Co-Producer, as they discussed the 2011 International Franchise Association’s Legal Symposium which was held recently in Washington, D.C. You can listen to the full podcast online here.   ....
• The Legal Aspects of Franchising. Adam J. Siegelheim, member of Stark & Stark’s Franchise Group, will present a seminar in conjunction with the New Jersey Institute of Continuing Legal Education entitled, The Legal Aspects of Franchising. The seminar will take place Thursday, June 09, 2011 from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Wilshire Grand Hotel, in West Orange, New Jersey.   The seminar will discuss franchise issues which continue to affect countless industries from automotive services to real estate agencies, from sports and recreation facilities to food chains. Mr. Siegelheim will discuss key issues you are likely to encounter as a franchise and distribution law practitioner. The seminar will also feature a discussion on recent developments and cases.   For additional information, or to register, please visit the NJICLE’s website online here.   ....
• Using Social Media to Grow Your Brand Adam J. Siegleheim, member of Stark & Stark's Franchise Group, attended the 2011 International Franchise Expo's Annual Convention February 13-16, 2011 in Las Vegas, Nevada. In this podcast, Mr. Siegelheim meets with Thomas Scott of Brand Journalists. Mr. Siegelheim and Mr. Scott discuss how to use social media outlets in order to strategically grow your brand and drive qualified traffic to your franchise. You can listen to the full podcast online here.  ....
• How to Use Social Media to Enhance Your Franchise Adam J. Siegelheim, member of Stark & Stark's Franchise Group, attended the 2011 International Franchise Expo's Annual Convention February 13-16, 2011 in Las Vegas, Nevada. In this podcast, Mr. Siegelheim meets with Paul Segreto of Franchise Essentials. Mr. Siegelheim and Mr. Segreto discuss social media and how franchisors can utilize social networking applications, such as Facebook, Foursquare, LinkedIn and Twitter, to enhance their brand. You can listen to the full podcast online here.   ....
• Stark & Stark Attorney to Present NJICLE Seminar, The Legal Aspects of Franchising Adam J. Siegelheim, member of Stark & Stark’s Franchise Group, will present a seminar in conjunction with the New Jersey Institute for Continuing Legal Education entitled, The Legal Aspects of Franchising. The seminar will take place Thursday, June 09, 2011 from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Wilshire Grand Hotel, West Orange, New Jersey. The seminar will discuss franchise issues which affect countless industries from automotive services to real estate agencies, from sports and recreation facilities to food chains. The presenters will discuss key issues you are likely to encounter as a franchise and distribution law practitioner as well as a discussion on recent developments and cases. You can access additional information, including registration information, online here.   ....
• The Psychology of the Successful Franchisee Adam J. Siegelheim, member of Stark & Stark's Franchise Group, attended the 2011 International Franchise Expo's Annual Convention February 13-16, 2011 in Las Vegas, Nevada.   During the convention, Mr. Siegelheim interviewed Ricardo Roman, V.P. of Strategic Alliance for Caliper. Mr. Siegelheim and Mr. Roman discuss a presentation Mr. Roman recently gave entitled, "The Psychology of the Successful Franchisee." Mr. Siegelheim and Mr. Roman also discuss the value of franchisors utilizing assessment tools when meeting with potential franchisees.   You can listen to the podcast online here.  ....
• Are Your Franchisees Your Employees? Stark & Stark Franchise attorney, Adam J. Siegelheim, presented a seminar Wednesday June 9, 2010 entitled, Are Your Franchisees Your Employees? The webinar discussed the recent case, Awuah v. Coverall N. Am., Inc., in which the court held that certain franchisees were the franchisor's employees. In determining that the franchisees were employees, the court applied the "ABC" test, which is used by 26 states, including New Jersey. Mr. Siegelheim discusses the Coverall case, and how this decision may impact franchisors who sell franchises in Massachusetts and other states.   Are Your Franchisees Your Employees? from Stark & Stark on Vimeo. ....
• Stark & Stark Attorney To Present SCORE Seminar on Legal Considerations for Small Businesses Cary S. Kvitka, member of Stark & Stark’s Business & Corporate and Franchise Groups, will present a seminar entitled, Legal Considerations for Small Businesses, for the Greater Princeton Area SCORE. The seminar will be held Tuesday May 25, 2010 from 6:45 – 8:45 PM at the South Brunswick Public Library.   The seminar will discuss the legal implications, benefits and detriments of buying an existing business, buying a franchise, and starting a business from scratch.  Mr. Kvitka will also focus on some issues that commonly arise with new businesses, including intellectual property issues and how to negotiate commercial leases.   You can register for the seminar online here, or for more information please call 609-393-0505. ....
• Live Interview from the 2010 International Franchise Association Convention This installment of the New Jersey Legal Update podcast is an interview, live from the 2010 International Franchise Expo in Washington DC, with Adam J. Siegelheim, member of Stark & Stark's Franchise group, and Fred Kriss, Founder of FranchiseRight.  Mr. Siegelheim and Mr. Kriss discuss a new incubator program developed by FranchiseRight which assists business owners in deciding if they should franchise their business and how business owners can raise the capital needed for franchising.  You can download the full podcast here. (11 MB)   ....
• SCORE of Princeton to Hold Small Business Fair The Greater Princeton Area SCORE Chapter and the Princeton Public Library will host a Small Business Fair at the Library, Saturday May 22, 2010. The fair will be held in the Library’s Community Room from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM (admission is free to the public). The fair is intended to provide visitors with a wealth of information about available resources for people interested in starting or improving their small business and connecting these small businesses and start-up entrepreneurs in the community with the agencies and other resources available to assist them to succeed and grow in these challenging economic times.   Adam J. Siegelheim and Cary S. Kvitka, members of Stark & Stark's Franchise Group, will be an exhibitor at this year's fair. For additional information, please visit the SCORE website. ....
• How to Implement a Mentor-Protégé Program to Help Your Franchise System Grow This installment of the New Jersey Legal Update podcast is an interview with Adam J. Siegelheim, member of Stark & Stark's Franchise group, and Harvey Homsey, Vice President Franchise Systems for Express Employment Professionals, at the 2010 International Franchise Association Convention in San Antonio, Texas.   Mr. Siegelheim and Mr. Homsey discuss pros and cons of mentor-protégé  programs, an overview of how to start a program, what makes someone a good mentor, and what the necessary elements of a successful mentor-protégé relationship are. Mr. Siegelheim and Mr. Homsey also discuss how the current economic climate, the franchise industry and your specific market can affect the relationship.   You can download the full podcast here.   ....
• Live Interview from the Franchise Expo South - How to Fund Your Franchise This installment of the New Jersey Legal Update podcast is an interview with Adam J. Siegelheim, member of Stark & Stark's Franchise group, and Larry Carnell, Vice President of Business Development for BeneTrends, Inc., at the 2010 Franchise Expo South in Miami, Florida.   Mr. Siegelheim and Mr. Carnell discuss how to access capital in order to fund your franchise, including using your retirement fund.   You can download the full podcast here. ....
• Live Interview from the 2010 International Franchise Association Convention This installment of the New Jersey Legal Update podcast is an interview with Adam J. Siegelheim, member of Stark & Stark's Franchise group, and Greg Nathan, Managing Director for Franchise Relationship Institute, at the 2010 International Franchise Association Convention in San Antonio, Texas.   Mr. Siegelheim and Mr. Nathan discuss the differences between the franchise industry in the United States and Australia. Specifically, they discuss the pros and cons of focusing on unit sales versus focusing on franchisee follow-up and relationship building.   You can download the full podcast here.   ....
• Live Interview from the Franchise Expo South - 2010 Economic Outlook This installment of the New Jersey Legal Update podcast is an interview with Adam J. Siegelheim, member of Stark & Stark's Franchise group, and Paul Rocchio, Director of Development & Member Services for the International Franchise Association, at the 2010 Franchise Expo South in Miami, Florida.   Mr. Siegelheim and Mr. Rocchio discuss the economic outlook for 2010 in relation to franchising in the wake of the current economic downturn. Mr. Siegelheim and Mr. Rocchio also address the many benefits available to new and existing franchisors as member of the International Franchise Association.   You can download the full podcast here. ....
• Expanding Your Business Through Franchising This installment of the New Jersey Legal Update podcast is an interview with Adam J. Siegelheim, member of Stark & Stark's Franchise group, and Joseph D. Ornellas, President of Orion Franchise Consulting. Mr. Siegelheim and Mr. Ornellas discuss the most common question associated with franchising: Is my business franchise-able? Mr. Siegelheim and Mr. Ornellas discuss key things to consider when you have decided to expand your business through franchising, including, intellectual property rights, how to determine your projected return on investment and the best way to set up your system of operation which will run your franchise and in the end make it profitable for you. You can listen to the full podcast online here. (8.4 MB) ....
• Retrofitness Sued By New Jersey Fitness Club Owners Model A Fitness of Boonton, New Jersey has sued Retrofitness for fraud, consumer fraud, breach of contract, and violations of New Jersey’s Franchise Practices Act. Retrofitness Enterprises and Retrofitness Corp. owns, operates and franchises body building, health and fitness facilities under the “Retrofitness” trademark. The Retrofitness lawsuit is being watched by franchisors and franchisees alike.   Retrofitness franchises have been steadily increasing in number over the last few years.  Back in November 2005, Retrofitness entered into a license agreement with Model A’s owners for the development of a facility in Boonton, but Model A alleges in its Complaint filed in New Jersey Superior Court that Retrofitness’ principal, Eric Casaburi, enticed them into the license agreement through a series of false promises and misrepresentations, and then attempted to coerce them into signing a franchise agreement on far less favorable terms for the ....
• Small Business Owners Need to Plan for Tax Increases in 2011 Adam J. Siegelheim, member of Stark & Stark's Business & Corporate and Franchise Groups, authored the article Small Business Owners Need to Plan for Tax Increases in 2011 for the September 2009 edition of Mercer Business Magazine.   The article discusses the differences, and advantages, between an S Corporation and a C Corporation. Mr. Sigelheim points out that although S Corporations currently receive tax breaks which were put in place by former President Bush, President Obama’s proposed budget for 2011 does not include the renewal of these tax cuts, and therefore, in the future it may be more profitable to operate as a C Corporation.    You can read the full article online here. ....
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