Franchise contract validity

[Tonyubr]

Hi
Although i loosely work under the umbrella of a small franchise, (family friend)
I haven't actually signed a contract for well over 10 years and now I am trying to leave the business, the franchisor is threatening legal action against me if I don't cough up £0000s
Where do I stand and have I got a leg to stand on please?
Many thanks in advance for any advice. Regards Tony

 

[Chris Ashdown]

you will have to give a lot more information before anyone can advise you,

A contract does not have to be signed to make it legal it can be verbal but harder to prove

What are they claiming the money for and how are they describing it

 

[Tonyubr]

Thank You, my franchisor is claiming that I don't need to have signed recently for it to be valid because I have still been paying my monthly franchise fees etc. My argument is that I can no longer afford to pay the commission so I want to step away from the business. I have traded with them for 18 years and only signed one contract to my recollection.
Regards

 

[Tonyubr]

They are claiming the money as some kind of compensation for me wanting to walk. All of the intellectual property is my own but they are very protective over their IP.
Regards

 

[Mr D]

You have signed a contract at some point? You have fulfilled the contract since?

What does the current contract say about ending the franchise?

Is your business self employed, partnership, limited company?

 

[Chris Ashdown]

As them to invoice you there claim and the reason for it, and proof its in the contract you signed and if you get the claim you then pay a solicitor to give you advice

 

[BEB_Kerry]

It's still a contract without a signature and will be a contract by conduct.

You will have to dig out the initial contract and see what you agreed.