On February 13, 2019, the Commission announced it was initiating periodic review of the Franchise (Rule). The comment period closed on April 21, 2019. The Rule gives prospective purchasers of franchises the material information they need in order to weigh the risks and benefits of such an investment. The Rule requires franchisors to provide all potential franchisees with a disclosure document containing 23 specific items of information about the offered franchise, its officers, and other franchisees. Required disclosure topics include, for example: the franchise’s litigation history, past, and current franchisees and their contact information, any exclusive territory that comes with the franchise, assistance the franchisor provides franchisees, and the cost of purchasing and starting a franchise. If a franchisor makes representations about the financial performance of the franchise, this topic also must be covered, as well as the material basis backing up those representations. On September 4, 2020, the Commission announced that it would hold a public workshop on November 10, 2020. 85 FR 55850 (Sept. 10, 2020). The public comment period related to the issues discussed at the workshop closed on December 17, 2020. Staff continues to evaluate the record and anticipates sending a recommendation to the Commission by the end of 2022.