Marisa
Faunce
- Partner
Contact
Practice Areas
- Franchising
- Licensing
- Litigation & Dispute Resolution
- Trademarks & Copyrights
- International
- Business & Finance Transactions
Experience
Marisa counsels franchisors, licensors, and manufacturers on transactional, regulatory and intellectual property issues involved in developing and growing franchise programs. She also counsels franchisors regarding all aspects of the franchise relationship, including operational compliance, system standards, default and termination strategies and franchise workouts. Marisa represents franchisors ranging in size from start-ups to category leaders in connection with the development and maintenance of their franchise programs. She has extensive experience in structuring and revamping franchise programs, drafting franchise, license and area development agreements and counseling franchisors with regard to regulatory (FDD) compliance issues. She also represents franchisors with regard to corporate transactions, contract negotiations, master franchise programs, captive market development, international transactions, and dispute resolution matters.
Marisa counsels trademark owners on brand protection strategies and handles domestic and international trademark portfolios. She regularly represents our clients before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office in trademark prosecution actions and handles trademark-licensing transactions around the world.
Marisa regularly trains franchisor executives with respect to franchise sales, relationship and regulatory compliance issues.
Education
- The College of William and Mary, Marshall-Wythe School of Law, Williamsburg, Virginia
- J.D.
- Honors: Order of the Coif
- University of Virginia
- B.A.
Professional Associations
- Vice Chair, Women’s Franchise Committee, International Franchise Association
- Member, Diversity Institute, International Franchise Association
- Supplier Forum Advisory Board, International Franchise Association
- American Bar Association, Forum on Franchising
- Co-Chair Women’s Franchise Network, Washington, D.C.
Bar Admissions
Honors
- Chambers USA
- Super Lawyers of Virginia and Washington, DC
- The Best Lawyers in America
- Franchise Times Legal Eagles – Hall of Fame
- Who’s Who Legal 2019 – Franchising
- International Who’s Who of Franchise Lawyers