CHAPTER 553
WISCONSIN FRANCHISE INVESTMENT LAW
SUBCHAPTER I
TITLE AND DEFINITIONS
SUBCHAPTER II
REGISTRATION OF FRANCHISES
553.21 Registration requirement.
553.22 Excluded franchises.
553.23 Private franchisee and subfranchisor sales exempted.
553.235 Experienced franchisee exempt transactions.
553.24 Exemption proceedings.
553.25 Exemption by division.
553.26 Registration by notification.
553.27 General registration provisions; offering circular; consent to service of process.
553.28 Denial, suspension or revocation of registrations.
553.31 Amendment to registration statement.
SUBCHAPTER III
FRAUDULENT AND PROHIBITED PRACTICES
553.41 Fraudulent and prohibited practices.
SUBCHAPTER IV
ENFORCEMENT AND GENERAL PROVISIONS
553.51 Civil liability; sale in violation.
553.52 Criminal penalties.
553.55 Investigations and subpoenas.
553.56 Hearings and judicial review.
553.57 Enforcement of criminal penalties.
553.58 Rules, forms and orders.
553.60 Miscellaneous powers.
553.605 Administrative assessments; investor education.
SUBCHAPTER V
ADMINISTRATION
553.72 Fees and expenses.
553.73 Service of process.
553.74 Open records; publication.
553.75 Administrative files and opinions.
553.76 Waivers of compliance void.
TITLE AND DEFINITIONS
553.01
553.01
Short title. This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the "Wisconsin Franchise Investment Law".
553.01 History
History: 1971 c. 241.
553.01 Annotation
Protection for consumers against unfair and deceptive business. Jeffries, 57 MLR 559.
553.01 Annotation
The Wisconsin franchise investment law. Mett, 1972 WBB No. 5.
553.01 Annotation
Avoiding the Accidental Franchise. Modell & Fittante. Wis. Law. May 2003.
553.03
553.03
Definitions. In this chapter:
553.03(2)
(2) "Area franchise" means any contract or agreement between a franchisor and a subfranchisor whereby the subfranchisor is granted the right, for consideration given in whole or in part for such right, to sell or negotiate the sale of franchises in the name or on behalf of the franchisor.
553.03(3)
(3) "Division" means the division of securities.
553.03(4)(a)(a) "Franchise" means a contract or agreement, either express or implied, whether oral or written, between 2 or more persons by which:
553.03(4)(a)1.
1. A franchisee is granted the right to engage in the business of offering, selling or distributing goods or services under a marketing plan or system prescribed or suggested in substantial part by a franchisor; and
553.03(4)(a)2.
2. The operation of the franchisee's business pursuant to such plan or system is substantially associated with the franchisor's business and trademark, service mark, trade name, logotype, advertising or other commercial symbol designating the franchisor or its affiliate; and
553.03(4)(a)3.
3. The franchisee is required to pay, directly or indirectly, a franchise fee.
553.03(4)(b)
(b) Unless specifically stated otherwise, "franchise" includes area franchise.
