Franchise Advertisement Disclaimer Builder
Screen proposed franchise advertising for common compliance concerns, identify possible state advertising filing obligations, and generate a draft disclaimer for legal review.
Advertisement Questionnaire
Complete each section. The tool evaluates the advertisement’s intended use, audience, financial language, and required identifying information.
Advertisement Filing Reference
These filing reminders apply to advertisements offering franchises subject to each state’s registration requirements. Exemptions, internet advertising rules, and the definition of “directed to” a state require separate analysis. Example regulating states inlcude:
| State | General timing | Where to file | Tool treatment |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | File a true copy at least 3 business days before first publication, unless exempt. | California DFPI through the FRANSES filing system. Internet advertisements may qualify for a separate exemption notice framework. | Pre-use filing flag |
| Minnesota | File at least 5 business days before first publication. Minnesota rules state no formal approval is issued. | Minnesota Department of Commerce, Franchise Registration Unit, using the Department’s current filing process. | Pre-use filing flag |
| New York | Submit at least 7 days before intended use. | New York Department of Law through NASAA’s Franchise Electronic Filing Depository, commonly called FRED. | Pre-use filing flag |
| North Dakota | File at least 5 business days before first publication, unless exempt or a shorter period is allowed. | North Dakota Securities Department through its current franchise filing channel. | Pre-use filing flag |
| Washington | File at least 7 days before publication, unless a shorter period is allowed. | Washington Department of Financial Institutions, Securities Division, through its current franchise filing process. | Pre-use filing flag |
| Other regulating states | Requirements vary. Some regulate content, legends, registration status, internet offers, record retention, or regulator-requested submissions without imposing the same routine pre-use filing rule. | Confirm current requirements with the applicable state regulator and franchise counsel before use. | Legal review flag |
Do not treat filing as approval. Filing, registration, or the absence of a regulator comment does not mean the advertisement or franchise has been approved, endorsed, or found accurate.
