David M. Byers
Practice Emphasis
BAR ADMISSIONS
Washington, Oregon, Idaho, District of Columbia
______________________________________________________________________David is a member of the firm's Hospitality, Beverage, Franchise & Distribution Team, with a practice emphasis in franchise and distribution law and general corporate matters. David has experience in a variety of corporate and transactional matters involving the team's core industries, including drafting disclosure documents, franchise agreements and distribution agreements, assisting clients with franchise registration and regulatory compliance, advising franchisors on franchisee terminations, renewals, and other relationship issues, and buying and selling franchise businesses. David also assists our clients in a general counsel role, working with company owners and officers on general corporate matters and corporate governance, business transactions, vendor, supplier and manufacturing agreements, licensing agreements, financing, and employment issues. David also advises our residential real estate brokerage clients in franchise matters, regulatory compliance, business transactions, and dispute resolution.
In addition, David has a variety of experience representing clients in litigation, including termination disputes with franchisees, trademark infringement suits, claims under the Petroleum Marketing Practices Act and the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act, actions involving beverage and product distribution rights, claims concerning the unintentional formation of franchises, suits against residential real estate agents and brokerages, and the defense of product liability actions.
David also serves as the firm’s General Counsel.
PRESENTATIONS AND PUBLICATIONS
Moderator, "Is Your Franchise System Making the Best Use of Technology? Learn How Tech-Savvy Franchisors Are Planning for the Future," Franchise Business Network Regional Meeting (February, 2008).
Co-Author, “Open Price Agreements: Posted Prices and the Appropriate Standard for Good Faith Pricing,” Franchise Law Journal (Summer, 2007).
Presenter, “Franchise Law in Washington,” Lorman Educational Services (August, 2007).
Moderator, “The Top Ten Problems Faced by Franchisees in Their Adolescence,” Franchise Business Network Regional Meeting (May, 2007).
Presenter, “Franchising,” The Seminar Group (April, 2007).
Moderator, “Partnering with Charities—The Benefits to Your Team and Brand Promotion,” Franchise Business Network Regional Meeting (July, 2006).
Presenter, “Franchise Law Update,” Washington State Bar Association Business Law Section (June, 2006).
Moderator, “Cross-Border Franchising Between the U.S. and Canada,” Franchise Business Network Regional Meeting (August, 2005).
Author, “Closing the Door on Efforts to Create a Franchisor Duty of Competence,” Franchise Law Journal (Winter, 2003).
PROFESSIONAL & COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES
Member, American Bar Association Forum on Franchising
Topics & Articles Editor, Franchise Law Journal
Member, International Franchise Association
Co-Host, IFA Franchise Business Network (Pacific Northwest Region)
Topics & Articles Editor, Franchise Law Journal
Member and Volunteer, Washington Lawyers for the Arts Legal Clinic
Member, Washington State Bar Association
Member, Oregon State Bar Association
Member, Idaho State Bar Association
Member, American and District of Columbia Bar Associations
RECOGNITION
Washington Law & Politics, “Rising Star,” 2005 - 2007
EDUCATION
J.D., Duke University School of Law, 1998
B.A., magna cum laude, Claremont McKenna College, 1995
