James A. Wahl

Jim Wahl concentrates his practice on structuring, documenting, registering, and implementing franchise and distribution programs, as well as registering and protecting clients’ trademark and copyright interests.

Jim has represented franchisors for more than 25 years, providing counsel on matters including:

• Agreements and disclosure documents for domestic and international transactions

• Negotiating and closing franchise transactions

• Distribution systems

• Franchise registrations and regulatory compliance

• Business formation

• Growth strategies

• Mergers and acquisitions

• Technology law matters

• General corporate and business law

Jim also assists clients in building and protecting their brand names and other intellectual property assets. He counsels clients in the selection and clearance of new trademarks; obtains federal registration of trademarks and copyrights; drafts license, confidentiality, and other agreements; and represents businesses in unfair competition, trade secret misappropriation, and infringement disputes.

• Minnesota State Bar Association
• Hennepin County Bar Association
• American Bar Association
• International Franchise Association, Legal Legislative Committee

• The International Who’s Who of Franchise Lawyers, 2021-2023
• Selected among The Best Lawyers in America©, 2018-2025
• Franchise Times "Legal Eagle," 2017-2020, 2024
• Minnesota Monthly, "Minnesota's Top Lawyers," 2022, 2024
• Thomson Reuters, "Minnesota Super Lawyer®" 2000, 2005