Automotive Franchise Law

Overview

CorwinLaw has represented automobile dealerships, dealer groups, and equipment retailers in a broad range of franchise, regulatory, and operational matters. We understand that a dealership is more than a legal entity; it is a business operating within a highly regulated environment where manufacturer requirements, state law, operational realities, and profitability intersect.

Our practice focuses on providing practical legal counsel that helps dealers manage risk, strengthen manufacturer relationships, protect profitability, and resolve disputes efficiently. Whether advising on warranty reimbursement programs, franchise agreements, dealership acquisitions, regulatory compliance, or manufacturer audits, CorwinLaw combines legal analysis with a practical understanding of dealership operations and the automotive retail industry.

Representative Matters

• Manufacturer & Dealer Relations: Advising dealers in ongoing relationships with manufacturers, including operational issues, policy interpretation, performance standards, incentive programs, and dispute avoidance.
• Warranty Reimbursement Programs: Preparation, filing, negotiation, and defense of statutory parts and labor warranty reimbursement submissions and related manufacturer responses.
• Franchise & Distribution Agreements: Review, negotiation, interpretation, and enforcement of franchise agreements and related distribution arrangements.
• Territory Disputes & Network Changes: Counsel involving market representation, dealer relocations, network realignments, and allocation issues.
• Manufacturer Audits & Chargebacks: Representation involving warranty audits, incentive audits, chargebacks, documentation reviews, and administrative responses.
• Regulatory & DMV Compliance: Guidance concerning dealership licensing, regulatory compliance, consumer protection requirements, advertising issues, and operational obligations.
• Sales & Service Operations: Legal support for dealership sales, fixed operations, service agreements, customer documentation, and internal business practices.
• Business Transactions: Representation in dealership acquisitions, asset purchases, ownership transitions, corporate restructuring, and related commercial transactions.

Representative Industries & Clients

• Automobile dealerships
• Used vehicle dealers
• Salvage and specialty vehicle dealers
• Multi-rooftop dealer groups
• Dealer associations
• Parts and service operations
• Domestic franchise dealers
• Foreign franchise dealers
• Equipment and specialty vehicle retailers
• Closely held automotive businesses

Practice Philosophy

Every dealership operates within a unique combination of legal obligations, manufacturer requirements, and business realities. CorwinLaw approaches each matter with the objective of providing practical, business-oriented legal counsel that protects the client's interests while supporting long-term operational success. Our goal is not simply to resolve legal issues, but to help dealers navigate complex manufacturer and vendor relationships and make informed business decisions with confidence.