Womble Bond Dickinson added Joshua Becker to its corporate and securities group as a partner in the Phoenix office. Becker advises franchisors, technology companies and other businesses across the full life of a commercial enterprise, from formation and growth through the sale or protection of what they have built.
Franchising sits at the center of Becker’s practice. He develops and revamps franchise corporate structures, franchise disclosure documents, franchise programs, drafts franchise, license and development agreements, and guides new and established franchisors through the sales process and the requirements of federal and state franchise law. Becker counsels clients at every stage of the franchise relationship, from formation, development, operational compliance, terminations, renewals and transfers. He also handles the acquisition and sale of franchised and company-operated outlets and entire franchise systems.
Alongside that work, Becker maintains an active intellectual property and commercial practice. He represents software, digital media, graphic and other technology companies, negotiating and closing domestic and international license agreements, advising on corporate formation and business structuring, and handling the day-to-day legal questions of running a technology business. His counsel extends to trademark registration and maintenance, licensing, copyrights and internet-related protections, as well as mergers and acquisitions, entity formation, joint ventures and a range of commercial contracts.
“Josh brings deep franchise experience, strong technology and IP capabilities, and a practical business perspective that will benefit clients in Arizona and across our national platform,” Matt Sweger, co-leader of the firm’s corporate and securities practice group, said. “He is exactly the kind of lawyer we want to welcome into the firm as we continue to grow in Phoenix and nationally.”
Becker added, “Womble’s combination of national reach and local depth gives my clients a platform to match the way their businesses operate. It’s a natural fit for a franchise and technology practice that has always crossed state lines and industries.”
Becker earned his J.D. from Arizona State University’s Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law and his B.S. from the University of Arizona. He joins Womble from Gallagher & Kennedy.
