### Question
How is the term franchise defined?


### Answer
The term **franchise** is defined in *15 U.S.C. § 2801* as the following:

> any contract—


(i) between a refiner and a distributor,


(ii) between a refiner and a retailer,


(iii) between a distributor and another distributor, or


(iv) between a distributor and a retailer,


  

under which a refiner or distributor (as the case may be) authorizes or permits a retailer or distributor to use, in connection with the sale, consignment, or distribution of motor fuel, a trademark which is owned or controlled by such refiner or by a refiner which supplies motor fuel to the distributor which authorizes or permits such use

#### Citation:
  - *15 U.S.C. § 2801*
  - Heading: **CHAPTER 55-PETROLEUM MARKETING PRACTICES > SUBCHAPTER I-FRANCHISE PROTECTION**

