Experience
Lee has extensive experience counseling distributors and franchisors, including drafting and negotiating franchise agreements for complex international and domestic transactions and advising clients on all aspects of franchise and distribution law.
Lee also counsels clients on the application of technology to franchise and distribution systems. He focuses his attention on matters such as social networking and social media issues, e-commerce, data use and security policies, cybersquatting and domain name disputes, consumer complaint and cybersmear sites, as well as software and hardware licensing. In addition, he serves as an expert witness and also represents clients in matters before the Federal Trade Commission.Selected In 2013
Thomson Reuters
London-based Who’s Who Legal recognized Lee its global “Franchise Lawyer of the Year” for 2018, 2019, and 2020, as ranked by his peers. In 2021, as in the last few years, he has again been listed among the Who’s Who Legal: Thought Leaders – Global Elite.
The respected U.K. publisher Chambers & Partners includes Lee in its Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business – The Client’s Guide (Band 1). They wrote that:
Lee Plave has left DLA Piper to start Plave Koch PLC in Reston. According to commentators, “this passionate transactional advocate is focused more than most on the cutting-edge areas.” These include counsel on the use of technology in franchise and distribution systems and on regulatory issues arising out of Sarbanes-Oxley and new accounting rules. Clients were quick to praise his blend of client service and a contemplative methodology: “He is not a lawyer who would give you an answer first and go and check later.”
More recently, Chambers USA wrote:
Sources are effusive in their praise for Lee Plave, describing him as “a very impressive and talented lawyer.” Interviewees note: “He is very knowledgeable and on the cutting edge of the technology side of things.” One peer added: “He is a wonderful franchise attorney and a great character – I can’t say enough good things about him.”
“A real thought leader who is trying to make a difference in the overall health of franchising.” Chambers US 2018
“According to sources, Lee Plave (Band 1) is “a top-notch lawyer” who is “a significant player with a good practice.” He is a top choice for distributors and franchisors on matters such as negotiating franchise agreements and cross-border transactions. Lee is a personable and brilliant lawyer.” Chambers US 2020
Who’s Who Legal wrote:
“His advice is orientated around the business background of the franchise relationship – he focuses on the relationship, rather than just the agreement.” — Who’s Who Legal, 2018
He has broad expertise in matters relating to franchising agreements, technology and private equity transactions. One client describes him as “a well-rounded operator in all areas of business. He thinks outside the box, is steeped in nuances and is well-versed in the intricacies of franchise law.” — Who’s Who Legal, 2017
Of Lee Plave, peers say that “any question you have, he has an answer to it based on his depth of knowledge and experience”. He is described as “very business-oriented and practical lawyer who takes the technical answer and thinks about it in the frame of the business situation”. Who’s Who Legal, 2020
Education
- New York Law School (J.D., cum laude)
- Clark University (B.A.)
Memberships
- American Bar Association
- Lewis G. Rudnick Award, 2019
- Director, International Franchise
and Distribution Division (2012-14), Forum on Franchising
- Board of Trustees, Clark University (2016-2026)
- International Bar Association
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- Officer, Committee on International Franchising
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- International Franchise Association
- Vice-Chair, Legal Legislative Committee (2019-2021)
- Revenue Recognition (FASB ASC 606) Task Force
- Merchant-Cybersecurity Working Group on Cyber Risk Mitigation (IFA representative)
- President’s Council on Year 2000 Conversion (IFA representative to the White House)
- Information Technology Committee
- FASB FIN46 Working Group
- FASB Social Media Task Force
- PCI Compliance Task Force
- Convention Planning Committee (2012)
- Vice-Chair, Legal Legislative Committee (2019-2021)
- Bar Association of the District of Columbia
- New York State Bar Association
- Subcommittee on Revisions to the N.Y. Franchise Law
- Virginia State Bar
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Admitted to Practice
- District of Columbia
- New York
- Virginia
Honors
- Who’s Who Legal
- Thought Leaders – Global Elite
- Thought Leaders – Global Elite
- Who’s Who Legal
- Global Franchise Lawyer of the Year (2018, 2019, and 2020)
- Top Practitioner, North America (through 2017)
- Lexology Client Choice Award
- Top Franchise Lawyer, United States (2023)
- Certified Franchise Executive (IFA)
- Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business (Band 1)
- Chambers Global (Band 2)
- Best Lawyers in America
- Franchise Lawyer of the Year, Washington, D.C. (2011, 2016, 2018)
- International Who’s Who of Information Technology Lawyers
- Franchise Times “Legal Eagles” – Hall of Fame
- Who’s Who in America
- Who’s Who in American Law
- Who’s Who in the South and Southwest
- Washington, DC Super Lawyers
- Virginia Super Lawyers
- Super Lawyers – Corporate Counsel Edition
- Smart CEO – Legal Elite
Presentations
Presenter, Moderator, or Co-Presenter:
WEB 2.0: Social Networks, Branding, and Franchising – 2022 and Beyond!
International Franchise Expo
June 2022| New York, N.Y.
Geopolitical Risks in International Franchising
IBA/IFA Joint Legal Symposium
May 2022| Washington, D.C.
Risk to Trade Secrets During the Age of Zoom
2022 IFA Convention
February 2022| San Diego
Report from the United States - News Around the World
International Bar Association / International Franchise Association 2021 Joint Conference
May 2021| Virtual (Washington, DC)
Update on FASB’s Proposal to Simplify How Private Franchisors Apply Revenue Recognition Guidance under ASC 606: "The Practical Expedient"
IFA Webinar
December 2020| Online Webinar
Franchise Council of Australia: Coming to America!
FCA Annual Legal Symposium
November 2020| Franchise Council of Australia
Comeback of a Lifetime: Politics in Franchise Advertising During 2020
Webcast and Podcast
October 2020| Online Webinar
The New World of Franchising: Bringing Clarity and Perspective to the Post-Crisis Post-COVID Business Model
H.E.A.T. Franchise Summit
August 2020| Online Webinar
Joint Ventures in International Franchising
IBA Annual Conference
September 2019| Seoul, Korea
Revenue Recognition for Franchisors: What Every Franchise Attorney Should Know
Federal Bar Association/MyLawCLE
June 2019 | Webinar
New FASB Revenue Recognition Guidance for Franchisors
IFA Annual Convention 2019
February 2019 | Las Vegas, NV
The New FASB Rules: Revenue Recognition
American Bar Association’s 41st Annual Forum on Franchising
October 2018 | American Bar Association
System Standards & Joint Employer, Vicarious Liability, and Anti-Poaching
IFA Operations Summit
September 2018| Tampa, Florida
Web 2.0: Social Networking + Data in Franchising
International Franchise Expo
May 2018 | New York, NY
Franchising: Investing In & Managing Family Owned Business Opportunities
Cornell University School of Business
March 2018 | Ithaca, New York
Web 2.0: Social Networking + Data in Franchising
Franchise Expo West
November 2017| Los Angeles, CA
Cybersecurity Exposure
IFA 50th Annual Legal Symposium
May 2017| Washington, DC
Real Estate Site Selection Services – Roundtable
International Franchise Association 43rd Annual Convention
February 2017 | Las Vegas, NV
Coming to America: EB-5 Programs and Franchising
American Bar Association’s 39th Annual Forum on Franchising
November 2016| Miami Beach, FL
Web 2.0: Technology + Franchising, Data, Cybersecurity, Social Media and Social Networking
Franchise Expo West
October 2016| Denver, CO
Taking International Franchising to the Next Level
IFA 49th Annual Legal Symposium
May 2016| Washington, D.C.
The FTC Ruling in Wyndham and How it Impacts Franchising
IFA Webinar
March 2016| Washington, D.C.
Vicarious Liability and the NLRB "Joint Employer" Issues in Franchising
NRA Show 2015 - National Restaurant Association
May 19, 2015| Chicago, Illinois
Vicarious Liability and Joint-Employer - Ten Practical Tips to Execute Today
IFA Wednesdaywise Webinar
November 2014| Washington, D.C.
Unique and Often Overlooked Issues and Limitations on Doing Business in International Franchising
American Bar Association’s 37th Annual Forum on Franchising
October 2014| Seattle, WA
The NLRB Decision - What Does It Mean for Franchising?
Google Hangout
September 9, 2014| Google Hangout
Web 2.0: Technology + Franchising: Data / Social Media and Social Networking Policies
International Franchise Expo
June 2014| New York City, NY
Franchising (Guest Lecturer)
Georgetown University Law School
March 2014| Washington, DC
Financial Performance Representations in International Franchising - International Division Breakfast Program
American Bar Association’s 36th Annual Forum on Franchising
October 2013| Orlando, FL
Web 2.0: Technology + Franchising: Data / Social Media and Social Networking Policies
International Franchise Expo
June 2013| New York City, NY
That’s My List! Who Owns Customer Data in Franchise Systems?
International Franchise Association’s 46th Annual Legal Symposium, International Franchise Association 43rd Annual Convention
May 2013| Washington, D.C.
Protecting Your Brand: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly – Technology & Franchising Summit Roundtable
International Franchise Association 43rd Annual Convention
February 2013| Las Vegas, NV
Web 2.0: Technology + Franchising: Data / Social Media and Social Networking Policies
International Franchise Expo
June 2012| New York City, NY
Protecting Your Brand in Social Media and Social Networking
International Franchise Association 42nd Annual Convention
February 2012| Orlando, FL
Web 2.0: Technology + Franchising: Data / Social Media and Social Networking Policies
Franchise Expo South
January 2012| Miami Beach, FL
Annual Update: Franchise and Distribution Law Developments
American Bar Association’s 34th Annual Forum on Franchising
October 2011| Baltimore, MD
Franchising and Technology: Keeping Pace with Changes, Cloud Computing, and E-Disclosure
International Franchise Association’s 44th Annual Legal Symposium
May 2011| Washington, D.C.
Going Green – The Impact of Energy Efficiency Schemes and Carbon Reduction Commitments on Franchising
American Bar Association’s 33rd Annual Forum on Franchising
October 2010| San Diego, CA
Social Media Best Practices
International Franchise Association
April 2010| Webinar
Technology in Franchising: Data, Social Media, and 21st Century Franchise Policies
West Coast Franchise Expo
October 2009| Los Angeles, CA
We Are Not Alone: Compliance with Transnational Laws in International Franchising
American Bar Association
June 2009| Teleseminar
Financial Performance Representations in International Franchise Transactions
25th Annual IBA/IFA Joint Conference
May 2009| Washington, D.C.
Nuts and Bolts: Franchise Law and Technology
West Coast Franchise Expo
November 2008| Los Angeles, CA
Leveraging New Media to Grow Your Business
National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO)
October 2008| Tysons Corner, VA
Good Faith and Fair Dealing: Economic Power in Franchising
24th Annual IBA/IFA Joint Conference
May 2008| Washington, D.C.
The Use of Technology in Franchising
International Franchise Expo
April 2008| Washington, D.C.
eFranchise Your Ops: eDisclosure, eContracting, eManuals – Technology Summit Roundtable Discussion
International Franchise Association 48th Annual Convention
February 2008| Orlando, FL
The Use of Technology in Franchising
Franchise Expo South
January 2008| Miami, FL
The Use of Technology in Franchising
West Coast Franchise Expo
October 2007| Los Angeles, CA
Global Proliferation of Franchise Law
American Bar Association / Section of International Law – 2007 Spring Meeting
May 2007| Washington, D.C.
Franchising and Technology
International Franchise Expo
March 2007| Washington, D.C.
Principles of Franchising
IFA Educational Foundation – International Franchise Association 47th Annual Convention
February 2007| Las Vegas, NV
International Franchising – Presentations to visiting Russian delegations
U.S. Department of Commerce – Special American Business Internship Training
2004, 2005, 2006, 2007| Washington, D.C.
The Use Of Technology In Franchising
West Coast Franchise Expo
November 2006| Los Angeles, CA
Hot Spots in International Franchising
International Franchise Expo
May 2006| Washington, D.C.
Guest Lecturer: “Franchise Law”
Georgetown University Law School
2006| Washington, D.C.
Start-Up Lab: Franchising Principles
MIT Enterprise Forum
May 2005| Tysons Corner, VA
Global Franchise Expansion
International Franchise Expo
April 2005| Washington, D.C.
Cybergriping: The Law of Complaint Sites on the Internet
Georgetown University Law School Advanced Computer & Internet Law Institute
March 2005| Washington, D.C.
Co-Branding Your Franchise System
Canadian Franchise Association Annual Legal Symposium
April 2004| Toronto, ON
The Franchisor/Franchisee Relationship
8th Annual Int’l Foodservice Technology Exposition (FS/TEC)
October 2003| Long Beach, CA
Distribution and Supply Arrangements in International Franchise Networks
International Bar Association Legal Symposium
May 2003| Washington, D.C.
Franchise Transfers and Renewals
Franchise UPDATE 2003 MultiUnit Franchising 2003 National Development Conference
March 2003| Dallas, TX
Judicial Treatment of Dealer Restrictions
ABA Antitrust Section and Michigan Bar Association
June 2002| Detroit, MI
Program Chair, Franchise Law and Internet Legal Roundtable Program
Franchise UPDATE Third Annual System Management and Information Technology Summit
May 2002| Dallas, TX
E-Commerce and the Internet: Practical Considerations for Practitioners
Petroleum Marketing Attorneys Annual Meeting
April 2002| Washington, D.C.
E-commerce & Franchising: System & Encroachment Concerns
International Franchise Association’s 42nd Annual Convention
February 2002| San Antonio, TX
Co-chair, American Conference Institute Second Annual Legal Symposium on Online Auto Sales
The E-Sign Act - American Conference Institute - Second Annual Legal Symposium on Online Auto Sales
October 2001| Chicago, IL
Internet Regulation: Legal Issues and Challenges
Franchise UPDATE 2d Annual Information Technology and Leadership Summit
May 2001| San Jose, CA
American Conference Institute First Annual Legal Symposium on Online Auto Sales and Special E-Auto Contract Considerations
American Conference Institute – First Annual Legal Symposium on Online Auto Sales
October 2000| Chicago, IL
Franchising and the Internet
Franchise UPDATE First Annual Information Technology and Leadership Summit
June 2000| San Jose, CA
The Internet: Franchisor Policy and Enforcement
International Franchise Association – Annual Legal Symposium
May 2000| Washington, D.C.
Making the Internet a Win-Win in Franchise Relationships
International Franchise Association – 40th Annual Convention
February 2000| Washington, D.C.
Report from the United States: The NLRB and Cuba
IBA/IFA 31st Annual Joint Conference| International Bar Association, London
Publications
Author or Co-Author:
Geopolitical Risks in International Franchising
IBA/IFA Joint Legal Symposium
May 2022| Washington, D.C.
Joint Ventures in International Franchising
IBA Annual Conference
September 2019| Seoul, Korea
FASB Issues Revenue Recognition Clarity
Franchising World
December 2018| Washington, D.C.
The New FASB Rules: Revenue Recognition
American Bar Association’s 41st Annual Forum on Franchising
October 2018 | American Bar Association
Disruptive New Technologies and Franchising: Delivery Services
IBA/IFA 33rd Annual Joint Conference
May 2018 | Washington, D.C.
First Steps in Data Privacy Cases: Article III Standing
Franchise Law Journal, Vol. 37, No. 4
Spring 2018 | American Bar Association
SBA Announces Changes for Franchisee Financing
December 2016| Modern Restaurant Management Magazine
Franchise Law Summary 2016: Joint Employment and Globalization
Who's Who Legal
November 2016 | Law Business Research Ltd
Taking International Franchising to the Next Level
IFA 49th Annual Legal Symposium
May 2016| Washington, D.C.
Key Issues, Decision Points for International Expansion to Cuba: Moving Beyond "Close But No Cigar"
The Franchise Lawyer
Winter 2015| American Bar Association
Submission to US Small Business Administration on Pending Franchise Affiliation Rules
Small Business Administration
April 7, 2015
Cybersecurity and Franchising: Breaches can transform a business headache into a legal nightmare
Franchising World
March 2015| IFA
The Constancy of Change and the Existential Threat of Data Loss – Foreword
Franchise 2013 – Who’s Who Legal
November 2013| International Bar Association, London
Fundamentals of International Franchising (2nd Ed.) – “Deciding to Go International: Organizational and Business Considerations”
2013| American Bar Association
Digital Policy Structure: How Should it Be Done? Digital Media and Franchising
FranchisEssentials Magazine, Vol. 1, No. 1
August 2012
New Unlimited Cyber Real Estate: They’re Making More, But Should You Buy It?
Franchising World
October 2011| International Franchise Association
Franchising and the Internet
International Bar Association Legal Practice Division
2010| Globe Business Publishing
Financial Performance Representations
IBA International Franchising Newsletter
September 2009| International Bar Association Legal Practice Division
Advanced Disclosure Issues Under the New FTC Franchise Rule
31st Annual Legal Symposium
October 2008| American Bar Association Forum on Franchising
eDisclosure After the FTC Rule Amendments
13 LJN’s Franchising Bus. & Law Alert 7
April 2007
The .mobi Domain Name – A Different Way to Do A Different Thing
FranchiseLawNews.com
March 2007
Franchising, eBusiness, and the Internet ICFE Study Guide for Franchise Executives
Educational Foundation
2007| International Franchise Association
eDisclosure: Best Practices
Franchise World
July 2006
Franchising: Data Protection and E-Commerce Issues in the United States
Int’l Journal of Franchising Law, Vol. 4, Issue 2
June 2006
FIN 46R: A New, Improved Minefield for the Franchise Industry
LJN’s Franchising Business & Law Alert Volume 13, No. 7
Winter 2005
Battling Cyberpirates
Franchise World
August 2005
New China Franchise Regulation To Be Effective February 1, 2005
DLA Piper FranCast
January 2005
Massachusetts Highest Court Upholds Post-Term Non-Compete Clauses, Boulanger v. Dunkin’ Donuts Incorporated, 815 N.E. 2d 572
Boulanger v. Dunkin' Donuts Incorporated, 815 N.E. 2d 572
October 2004| Mondaq Banking and Financial
The FACT Act and its Effect on Franchising
Franchise World
June 2004
The CAN-SPAM Act
4 Privacy and Info. Law Report 9, at 7
May 2004
How A New Accounting Standard May Impact Every Franchisor: FASB Interpretation No. 46R
Piper Rudnick FranCast
April 2004
The CAN-SPAM Act and Franchisors
Piper Rudnick FranCast
March 2004
Corporate Counsel’s Guide to Documenting E-Commerce Transactions: The E-Commerce Legal Survival Guide
Business Laws, Inc., 3rd Edition
January 2004
Cybersmearing: The Ugly Side of the Web
Franchising World
September 2003
Distribution and Supply Arrangements In International Franchise Networks
20th Annual IFA/IBA Joint Seminar on Franchising
May 2003
Application of U.S. Franchise Laws to International Transactions
Franchising in Wandel: Gedächtnisschrift für Walther Skaupy,” Verlag C.H. Beck
2003
Corporate Counsel’s Guide to Documenting E-Commerce Transactions: The E-Commerce Legal Survival Guide
Business Laws, Inc., 2nd Edition
May 2002
U.S. Businesses and Organizations Have New Ways to Expand Their Internet Presence with .us and .eu Domain Names
4 E-Commerce Law Report 5, at 5
March 2002
Franchisors and Franchisees Face the Reality: The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act Applies
Franchising World
November/December 2001
FAQs for Franchisors – Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act and the FTC Rule on Privacy of Consumer Financial Information
Franchise UPDATE
4Q 2001
Documenting E-Commerce Transactions: The E-Commerce Legal Survival Guide
Business Laws, Inc.
July 2001
International Franchising & E-Commerce: Adapting Franchise Systems to the Global Electronic Marketplace
3 Int’l Journal of Franchising and Distribution Law 4, at 259
2001
E-Sign and the FTC Rule
The Franchise Lawyer
September 2000
Clinton e-signs new law – The E-SIGN Act
Piper Marbury Rudnick & Wolfe FranCast
July 2000
Franchisors Gain Powerful New Weapon in War Against Cybersquatters
Leader’s Franchise & Business Alert
January 2000
