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Stephen E. Story

Partner

T (757) 624.3257
F (757) 624.3169

sestory@kaufcan.com

Steve is the Chairman of the firm's Franchise practice area. His practice includes a unique emphasis on franchising, intellectual property, technology, sales, distribution, marketing issues, and antitrust law. He represents several local, regional, and national franchisors and also multiple-unit operator franchisees and single unit franchisees.

Practice Areas

Representative Matters

  • Represent franchisors as general counsel in drafting franchise disclosure documents, franchise and related agreements, franchise registration issues, and on trademark matters
  • Obtained a $150,000 refund of all initial franchise fees for two franchisees based upon franchisor’s failure to locate a suitable site in accordance with franchise agreement terms 
  • Represent hotel franchisees in negotiations and litigation with franchisors over liquidated damages provisions; recently negotiated substantial discounts on three liquidated damages claims for local hotel licensees
  • Represent franchisees (area developers and single unit) in evaluating franchise offerings and related work (setting up a legal entity, negotiation of leases) for start-up franchisees

Recognition and honors

  • Best Lawyers in America; Franchise Law and Intellectual Property Law, 2004-2011
  • Virginia Super Lawyers; (Franchising and Distribution) Law & Politics, 2006-2010
  • Virginia Super Lawyers Corporate Counsel Edition; Law & Politics, 2009-2010 
  • Virginia’s Legal Elite; Intellectual Property Law, Virginia Business Magazine, 2000-2009
  • Editor-in-Chief, The Review of Litigation
  • AV® Rated; Martindale-Hubbell

Associations

  • American Bar Association; Forum on Franchising and Antitrust Law Section
  • International Franchise Association (Legal/Legislative Committee)
  • Virginia State Bar; Past Chairman, Antitrust, Franchise and Trade Regulation Section, Board of Governors, 1995-2003
  • Library of Virginia, Library of Virginia Foundation; Previous Director
  • Norfolk Public Library and Norfolk Public Library Foundation; Previous Director 
  • First Presbyterian Church of Norfolk, Virginia; Trustee, 2003-2009
  • Norfolk-Portsmouth Bar Association

Education

  • University of Texas; B.A., 1978
  • University of Texas School of Law; J.D., with honors, 1981

press and publication

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