Biography: Franchise

Sergio Solera has been a member of Facio & Cañas since 2005, a full service law firm founded in 1942 and one of the largest and most prestigious law firms in Costa Rica. He has a Master of Laws (LLM) in Corporate Law from New York University School of Law (2010), and a Master of Laws in Tax Consulting (LLM) from the University for International Cooperation (2009).

Mr Solera focuses his practice in foreign investment, cross-border transactions, corporate, telecommunications and real estate law, and has assisted multinational companies incorporate subsidiaries in Costa Rica and helped them obtain free zone status, whereby the state grants several tax incentives. Mr Solera has also represented international franchisors looking to do business in Costa Rica, as well as local franchisees seeking to establish an international franchise. Such assistance also includes applying for health permits, business licences, registration of products and registration of trademarks among others. He has experience in advising foreign companies and local distributors and fabricants under local law with respect to termination rights, indemnities, jurisdiction, arbitration and choice of law. Other related subjects Mr Solera has advised in are the application and requirements of non-competition provisions, non-disclosure agreements, privacy laws, licences and intellectual property in general, and the payment of royalties and its tax consequences. Latin Counsel and other regional publications have referenced to some of the transactions Mr Solera has been involved in.

Mr Solera is admitted to practice in Costa Rica and in New York.