2017 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations
Chapter 135. Dealership practices.
135.01 Short title.
135.01 Short title. This chapter may be cited as the “Wisconsin Fair Dealership Law".
This chapter was enacted for the protection of the interests of the dealer whose economic livelihood may be imperiled by the dealership grantor, whatever its size. Rossow Oil Co. v. Heiman, 72 Wis. 2d 696, 242 N.W.2d 176 (1976).
This chapter covers only agreements entered into after April 5, 1974. Wipperfurth v. U-Haul Co. of Western Wis., Inc. 101 Wis. 2d 586, 304 N.W.2d 767 (1981).
This chapter is constitutional; it may be applied to out-of-state dealers when provided by contract. C. A. Marine Sup. Co. v. Brunswick Corp. 557 F.2d 1163. See: Boatland, Inc. v. Brunswick Corp. 558 F.2d 818.
When a dealer did not comply with all the terms of acceptance of a dealership agreement, no contract was formed and this chapter did not apply. Century Hardware Corp. v. Acme United Corp. 467 F. Supp. 350 (1979).
Dealing with the dealers: Scope of the Wisconsin fair dealership law. Axe, WBB Aug. 1981.
The fair dealership law: Good cause for review. Riteris and Robertson, WBB March, 1986.
Changing Business Strategy Under the Wisconsin Fair Dealership Law. Laufer. Wis. Law. March 1991.
Avoiding the Accidental Franchise. Modell & Fittante. Wis. Law. May 2003.
Determining “Community of Interest" Under the WFDL. Wright. Wis. Law. Dec. 2004.
Understanding the Wisconsin Fair Dealership Law. Wright & Aquino. Wis. Law. Nov. 2009.
