Portrait of Thomas Pitegoff

Thomas Pitegoff

Principal

Thomas Pitegoff is an internationally recognized leader in the franchise field. Tom counsels international, national, regional and start-up franchisors in a variety of industries to structure their franchise systems effectively and comply with state and federal franchise laws. He represents foreign franchisors in their U.S. business and U.S. franchisors expanding abroad. He also represents multi-unit franchise developers and assists clients in resolving issues with state franchise regulators.

With a wide-ranging business transactions background, Tom also advises businesses on alternatives to franchising. His work includes acquisitions of closely-held companies, license and distribution agreements, service agreements, information technology agreements and intellectual property counseling. He also acts as general U.S. counsel for foreign companies and provides outside general counsel services for U.S. companies.

Tom has written extensively on franchise and other business law topics both for bar journals and books and for those in the business of franchising. To see some of his writings, go to the Franchise Alchemy tab at the top of his bio.

    Education

    • Syracuse University College of Law (J.D.)
    • Sarah Lawrence College (B.A.)

    State Bar Admissions

    • New York

    Professional Affiliations

    • International Franchise Association, Member of the Legal Legislative Committee
    • Forum on Franchising, American Bar Association, Member
    • Forum on Franchising, American Bar Association,
    • Former Member - Governing Committee and Former Editor - Franchise Law Journal
    • New York State Bar Association, Chair of the Business Law Section (2022-2023)
    • New York City Bar Association, Member
      Governing Committee of the Forum on Franchising, Member
    • Franchise Law Committee of the NYSBA’s Business Law Section, Former Chair

    Recognitions

    • Named to The Best Lawyers in America® for Franchise Law (2013-2026)
    • Selected to New York Metro Super Lawyers® list for Franchise/Dealership, Business/Corporate, and International Law (2008-2023, 2025-26)
    • Franchise Law "Lawyer of the Year" for New York, NY
    • Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent® Rated Attorney
    • Who’s Who Legal (London)
    • Legal Eagle, Franchise Times Magazine
  • Biography
  • Publications & News
  • Featured Works
  • Franchise Alchemy

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