where the franchisor does not act in good faith or in a commercially reasonable manner in the performance of the franchise agreement. (7) Unlike investments in securities, an investment in a franchise may lead to substantial additional losses well beyond the initial capital investment. Unlike employment, due to long-term contractual and lease obligations, franchisees generally cannot simply resign and leave the franchised business without substantial liabilities. (8) Traditional common law doctrines have not evolved sufficiently to protect franchisees adequately from fraudulent or unfair practices in the sale and operation of franchise businesses, and significant contractual and procedural restrictions have denied franchisees adequate legal recourse to protect their interests in such businesses. (9) Contractual obligations of the franchisee to the franchisor may create an environment that makes it difficult to pay workers significantly above minimum wage or provide reasonable benefits to workers. (10) A franchisee’s freedom to achieve a contract negotiated at arm’s length is greatly limited by the disparity of bargaining power, lack of consistent legal standards, and other factors described above. This Act is necessary to restore true freedom to contract, and to improve the living standards of employees of franchises. (11) The Federal Government has had a significant interest in regulating franchising and has regulated franchising for over 40 years through the Federal Trade Commission and its Franchise Rule. (b) Purpose It is the purpose of this Act to— (1) promote the compelling interest of the public in fair business relations between franchisees and franchisors