Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner

Technology, Commercial and Government Affairs

Senior Counsel - Corporate and Finance Transactions

Kenneth Costello is highly experienced in U.S. and international franchising law and product and service distribution. Mr. Costello’s experience includes licensing and branding; structuring franchising programs; franchise regulatory compliance programs; multi level distributorships; and anti trust counseling. His experience also includes intellectual property law including internet, e-commerce, domestic and international trademark, service mark, copyright, know how, and technology transfers and licensing.  Mr. Costello represents clients in general business transactions, including mergers and acquisitions, advice and counsel with respect to unique intellectual property issues involved in acquisitions of franchising companies, lending, employment agreements and formation and capitalization of business organizations.

Mr. Costello has testified on franchise trade regulation issues before the Federal Trade Commission and has been consulted on franchising issues by the Wall Street Journal, Reuters, New York Times, CBS News, Forbes, Nations Restaurant News, Los Angeles Times, Entrepreneur Magazine, SkyRadio, and Advertising Age.

CIVIC INVOLVEMENT & HONORS Chambers, Franchise, 2007-2023 Chambers Global, 2009-2014 Best Lawyers In America, Los Angeles Area Franchise Lawyer of the Year, 2013 Best Lawyers In America, Franchise, 2007-2024 Ranked in top 13 “Most Highly Regarded Franchise Lawyers Globally” by Who's Who Legal: Franchise (Law Business Research, Ltd., London, 2003-2023) Los Angeles Magazine, Southern California Super Lawyers, 2006-2023 “Legal Eagle” list of top US franchise lawyers in Franchise Times, 2004-2023 Who’s Who (Strathmore’s) Who’s Who in the World (Marquis) Entrepreneur Magazine Franchise 500 Edition Board of Editors: ABA Franchise Law Journal (1999-2002) Leader’s Franchising Business & Law Alert Andrews (Thomson-West) Franchise & Distribution Litigation Reporter PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS International Franchise Association; member: Legal and Legislative Affairs Committee , Membership Committee, and Counsel of Franchise Suppliers Advisory Board American Bar Association, member: Section of Intellectual Property Law, Forum Committee on Franchising California State Bar Consulting Group on Legal Specialization California State Bar Franchise Legislation Committee