Renewal by Andersen Accused of ‘Elaborate’ Franchise Scheme (1)

Renewal by Andersen LLC was hit with a $120 million lawsuit accusing it of forcing independent retailers to become de facto franchises subject to unreasonable restrictions as a condition of selling its industry-leading replacement windows.

Renewal’s retailer agreements include exclusive dealing clauses, franchise fees, non-solicitation and non-compete provisions, and other anti-competitive terms, according to the July 16 complaint failed in California federal court by Dreamstyle Remodeling of California Inc.

The “elaborate scheme” also requires each retailer to rebrand as a Renewal affiliate, promote its products heavily, stick to selling only replacement windows and patio doors, and refrain from marketing any ...