Douglas Clayton Berry

For for than 25 years, Doug has served as a trial lawyer representing franchisors and suppliers in connection with disputes with their franchisees and distributors. Doug also devots significant time providing antitrust and distribution counseling, and has assisted several clients with the evaluation and acquisition of other franchise and distribution companies.  The following is a representative sample of matters Doug has handled in recent years: 

• Assisted oil company in the acquisition of refinery and marketing assets in Southern California, counseled investor group in acquisition of majority interest in fast food franchise company, and assisted company in acquisition of coffee franchise system. 
• Defended oil company from claims by former Alaska Jobber and dealer alleging it was forced out of business by company’s price discrimination and violations of duty of good faith. 
• Defended various franchisors from claims in Washington, Alaska, Oregon, California, and elsewhere by franchisees claims sale of franchise was induced by misrepresentations or violations of applicable disclosure obligations. 
• Defended various beer suppliers from claims for wrongful termination. 
• Defended soft drink supplier from claims from former bottler and distributor claiming that distribution agreement was a franchise” under applicable state franchise statute. 
• Prosecuted claims by manufacturers of cosmetics and candles against competitors based on competitors’ use of product packaging deceptively similar to clients’ packaging. 
• Prosecuted claims against former franchisees for breach of post-term, and in-term covenants against competition. 
• Defended franchising company from class action by consumers in connection with fees charged for debit card transactions.