When it comes to Network Marketing Companies, commonly known as Multi-Level Marketing (MLM) Companies, the network of relationships that MLMs develop is a frequent cause of litigation and arbitration. Litigation is always expensive and results uncertain, so it is recommended that you avoid them.

Network Marketing is legal when performed correctly and in compliance with regulations. MLMs typically start out small – selling to family and friends – and, when successful, grow rapidly, often without having time to update their policies to match their vast national or international network of people. sellers. The sales channel can sell a product off-label or with illegal promises, as it works not only to sell, but also to recruit an even larger network of sellers. The involuntary Distributor could violate company policies or the law and face large-scale retaliation, including withholding of earned payments or total cessation of business.

When MLM companies fail to reasonably deal with the wide range of legal and personality issues as they grow, especially when their distributors travel around the world, the ramifications are usually piled on the shoulders. distributors. MLMs are trying to change their contracts to point fingers at distributors and walk away from themselves to avoid legal penalties or the loss of shareholders. Careless distributors caught in the crosshairs need to understand that they are often at odds with the goals of the MLM company.

Position of strength

When first engaging with an MLM, Distributors may not recognize the full extent of the terms the MLM will attempt to meet them. While a potential marketer may be presented with a brief one-page document to sign, these short forms often return and claim to incorporate huge outside documents outlining terms that strongly favor MLM.

These additional documents could include disciplinary proceedings allowing MLM to terminate a Distributor with little or no due process or compensation. They can also include terms so vague that they give MLM near absolute discretion to interpret its part of the deal as it sees fit.

Another MLM tactic is to issue rapid fire policy changes in contracts with distributors, which can leave distributors unsure of what rules or expectations they will be held to. As an MLM increasingly writes a policy that favors the business, distributors are stuck in unfavorable positions that can lead to litigation.

Unbalanced contracts

In theory, many Distributors are independent business owners who are free to opt out of MLM at any time if MLM terms become too onerous or if a Distributor is treated unfairly. In practice, however, successful distributors have often invested so much time, money and effort in establishing these businesses that they find it untenable to walk away from them. It is the distributor’s relationships that have allowed MLM to generate its substantial wealth and these relationships are often blocked by a distributor leaving MLM for another business.

Ultimately, a Distributor may find themselves at the mercy of an MLM who claims the power to impose onerous and unenforceable terms or to terminate the Distributor’s business. A distributor in these situations may have no choice but to give in and walk away or hire an experienced legal advisor to fight for their rights.

Legal remedy

Where does that leave distributors following their American dream, small entrepreneurs and larger scale success stories? Distributors build a business, putting all their heart and soul into creating that business.

The initial policies signed by a distributor decades ago may be unrecognizable from the MLM policies under which a distributor currently operates. Distributors need to know what they originally signed on and whether they were forced to adopt the changes that led to the current iteration.

Those who are unsure of the language and terms should work with a qualified lawyer to ensure that key terms of their contract are fair and reasonable. “Ineligible” policies and provisions may be legal and enforceable in specific circumstances or illegal and unenforceable in others. Where the line is drawn is the basic job of a qualified lawyer to ensure that a distributor is treated fairly.

There are a few key changes to look out for in MLM policies, including:

• Contracts that block a high damage limitation and specify that a distributor cannot obtain future income from the MLM
• Compulsory arbitration clauses that favor MLM to the detriment of the distributor
• Clauses giving an MLM the discretion to terminate a distributor’s account without reason or at its sole discretion
• Unfair changes or compensation structures that leave an operating distributor without the benefit of the market to which they originally subscribed
• On ambitious non-compete provisions preventing the distributor from leaving the MLM for a better opportunity

Unreasonable provisions can be overturned in court (i.e. rejecting MLM policy in favor of distributors’ rights to basic fairness), but a distributor might have to prepare for a prolonged fight against the pocketbook. Well funded MLM. Simply hiring a lawyer or sending a formal notice is unlikely to meet a distributor’s needs or force the MLM to the table.

Many MLMs have their own lawyers who are ready to bluff a marketer, bring a dispute to arbitration, and bring a case to trial. Ultimately, defending a distributor’s rights requires attorneys who know the MLM landscape and have the will and ability to take a case through to the end.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide on the subject. Specialist advice should be sought regarding your particular situation.