Tim Patterson
Senior Counsel
Tim Patterson represents manufacturers and suppliers in complex product distribution litigation throughout the United States. Tim also regularly counsels Foley’s manufacturing clients about effectively managing their reseller networks to avoid costly and protracted litigation. Tim is a member of the firm’s Distribution & Franchise and Business Litigation & Dispute Resolution Practices.
Tim also manages Foley’s “State Distribution & Franchise Law Map,” a tool Foley’s clients use to assess the legal risks that state-specific distribution and franchise laws present for their businesses. Tim is a regular speaker at Foley’s Annual Law of Product Distribution & Franchise Seminar.
Awards and Recognition
- Wisconsin Super Lawyers® Rising Star – Business Litigation (2023)
Presentations and Publications
- Author, “Making the Case: Remote Litigation Can Benefit Your Franchise in the Long-Term,” Global Franchise Magazine (August 2021)
- Speaker, “All Over the Map—Navigating Challenges Posed By State Law,” Foley & Lardner LLP Law of Product Distribution Franchise Seminars (2021)
- Speaker, “State(s) of Confusion: Defining the Relationship Under State Distribution Laws,” Foley & Lardner LLP Law of Product Distribution Franchise Seminars (2019)
- Speaker, “Termination: Building Your Best Case,” Foley & Lardner LLP Law of Product Distribution Franchise Seminars (2018)
- Speaker, “Reaping What You Sow: Protecting Your Future Yields with Non-Competes and Trade Secret Law,” Foley & Lardner LLP Law of Product Distribution Franchise Seminars (2017)
Foley Attorneys Named 2023 Wisconsin Super Lawyers and Rising Stars
Foley & Lardner LLP is pleased to announce that 18 of its attorneys were selected for inclusion in the 2023 Wisconsin Super Lawyers and Rising Stars lists.
Seventh Circuit Revives Franchise No-Poach Case, Holds Per Se Treatment Possible
A recent opinion by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit reinstates allegations against McDonald’s that no-poach provisions in the company’s franchise agreements violate the antitrust laws, holding that such provisions may be per se illegal.
Top Legal Issues Facing the Manufacturing Sector in 2023
As we embark on the second half of 2023, this second annual Manufacturing White Paper examines the business and legal considerations that continue to impact the industry and offers the perspectives and insights of attorneys with deep experience serving as trusted advisors to manufacturing companies.
Colorado’s Consumer Right to Repair Agriculture Equipment Act
On April 12, 2023, the Colorado legislature passed the Consumer Right to Repair Agriculture Equipment Act (the “Act”). Under the Act, manufacturers of “agricultural equipment” will be required to provide independent repair shops and individual equipment owners with parts, software, firmware, tools (including diagnostic tools), and documentation to aid in the repair of that equipment.
Arizona House Introduces Potential General Franchise Law
The Arizona House of Representatives recently introduced a bill, HB 2404, designed to insulate in-state dealers from market competition that, if enacted, will create a general franchise relationship law in Arizona.
“If It’s Not Broken, Don’t <s>Fix</s> Break It”— The FTC Targets the Franchise Business Model
Historically, the Federal Trade Commission has shied away from regulating the substance of franchisor-franchisee relationships. A recent FTC press release, however, suggests this may soon change.