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Legal Insights for Dealerships

Our blog is your go-to resource for all things related to dealership transactional law. At Dealership Attorney, we specialize in offering tailored legal advice and services to auto, powersport, RV, and marine dealerships across New York, New Jersey, and Florida. Our blog aims to provide valuable insights, industry updates, and practical tips to help you navigate the complex world of dealership law.

The Legal Tips Blog

Mitsubishi v. KarMART Mitsubishi: A Legal Battle Over Trademarks And Service Departments

02/14/2025

Recently, Mitsubishi Motors North America filed a lawsuit against KarMART Mitsubishi in Burlington, Washington, for trademark violations and breach of contract. This case serves as an important reminder for dealerships to stay vigilant about notices they receive from their manufacturers alleging wrongdoing,…

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Navigating the Evolving Automotive Dealership Buy/Sell Market: Key Takeaways from My Recent Webinar on Buy/Sell Hot Topics 2025

03/24/2025

I recently presented a webinar on the current state and future trends of the automotive dealership buy/sell market. A “buy/sell” is a term used to describe the purchase and sale of a dealership, whether that is in the form of…

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Right of Refusal Gone Wrong: Ford’s $18 Million Lesson

03/31/2025

As an attorney that negotiates dealership buy/sell transactions, the recent $18 million judgment against Ford Motor Company in Arkansas caught my attention. This case underscores the importance of fairness and transparency in manufacturer-dealer relationships, particularly when it comes to the…

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Navigating Franchise Financing: My Recent Q&A

09/29/2025

Buying a franchise is a major step but securing financing comes with legal risks that can jeopardize your investment. As an attorney that focuses on franchising matters, I’ve seen franchisees make costly mistakes that could have been avoided with proper…

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Understanding Lemon Laws: Common Questions Answered

10/07/2025

Understanding Lemon Laws: Common Questions Answered Lemon laws are a frequent source of confusion for both consumers and dealers. Recently, I was asked to provide written answers to a series of questions about how lemon laws work, their limits, and…

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Preparing for a Smooth Franchise Sale

10/13/2025

Selling a franchise is one of the most significant transitions an owner can face. Whether you’re preparing for retirement, moving to a new venture, or simply ready for a change, the process involves more than signing papers and handing over…

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Simplifying the Practice to Amplify the Impact

10/30/2025

I recently had the chance to join the Be That Lawyer podcast to talk about how I approach law practice, productivity, and balancing the demands of lawyering with effective systems. 🎧 Listen to the episode here (https://youtu.be/3Ks4JVXX2v8) Why This Conversation Matters…

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Briefcase, wine, gavel outside courthouse building.

Justice in Wine Country: Securing a $1.185 Million Jury Verdict in Napa

12/14/2025

Napa County Superior Court Jury Verdict Win

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A dealership manager in a modern showroom uses a tablet to review data on a futuristic, transparent interface. The screen displays AI data streams, a voice assistant icon, and a prominent 'Compliance Secure' shield badge next to a new vehicle, illustrating the integration of legally compliant AI technology in automotive operations.

2026: The Year of AI Operations or the Year of AI Lawsuits?

12/21/2025

If you’ve been following my previous posts, you know I’ve been sounding the alarm on AI usage at dealerships. While the industry buzzes about efficiency and profit margins, I’m looking at something else: liability and compliance. A new report from Digital…

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Stellantis Reports $1.8 Billion Loss in North America: Implications for Dealers

02/26/2025

Stellantis, a multinational automotive manufacturer that builds and distributes the Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, Fiat and Alfa Romeo brands in the United States, reported a staggering $1.8 billion loss in North America for the second half of 2024. This significant…

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