UFOC

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UFOC is an abbreviation for "Uniform Franchise Offering Circular", a legal document used in the franchising process in the United States.

Franchisors must give a UFOC to franchisees at least 10 business days before any contract is signed and before any money changes hands. It contains extensive information about a franchisor, which is intended to give potential franchisees enough information to make educated decisions about their investments. The information is divided into 23 categories:

1. The Franchisor, its Predecessors and Affiliates
2. Identity and Business Experience of Key Persons
3. Litigation History
4. Bankruptcy
5. Initial Franchise Fee
6. Other Fees and Expenses
7. Franchisee's Initial Investment
8. Restrictions on Sources of Products and Services
9. Obligations of the Franchisee
10. Financing Arrangements
11. Obligations of the Franchisor
12. Territory
13. Trademarks
14. Patents and Copyrights
15. Obligation of the Franchisee to Participate in the Actual Operation of the Franchise Business
16. Restrictions on Goods and Services Offered by the Franchisee
17. Renewal, Termination, Repurchase, Modification and/or Transfer of the Franchise Agreement
18. Public Figures
19. Earnings Claims
20. List of Franchise Outlets
21. Financial Statements
22. Contracts
23. Acknowledgment of Receipt