The International Franchise Association (IFA) is the largest organization representing franchising globally. Established over 60 years ago, it represents over 790,000 franchise establishments that contribute $825.4 billion to the US economy and support 8.4 million jobs.
IFA protects and promotes franchising through its public education, media relations, public policy, and government relations efforts. In November 2023, it launched the IFA Law Center to support its government relations and public policy efforts. The Law Center added litigation to the association’s available tools, ensuring it can comprehensively advocate for and protect franchising.
The IFA Law Center’s leadership includes the IFA CEO, CFO, senior vice president of government relations and public affairs, and general counsel. It also has an advisory board consisting of 15 representatives of franchising companies across multiple industries, from health and wellness to restaurants and retail. This board will guide the Law Center’s leadership on the issues affecting the franchising landscape. The advisory board will meet quarterly with the Law Center’s leadership.
After the launch, IFA Chair David Humphrey called the Law Center a valuable tool for defending franchisors and franchisees. He expressed optimism that the center would substantively enhance franchising, given the changes in the regulatory environment.
