135.01 Short title. This chapter may be cited as the “Wisconsin Fair Dealership Law."
History: 1973 c. 179; 2021 a. 238 s. 45.
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 also 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 & Robertson. WBB Mar. 1986.
Changing Business Strategy Under the Wisconsin Fair Dealership Law. Laufer. Wis. Law. Mar. 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 in Tough Economic Times. Wright. Wis. Law. Nov. 2009.
Structure Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations
Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations
Chapter 135 - Dealership practices.
135.025 - Purposes; rules of construction; variation by contract.
135.03 - Cancellation and alteration of dealerships.
135.04 - Notice of termination or change in dealership.
135.045 - Repurchase of inventories.
135.05 - Application to arbitration agreements.
135.06 - Action for damages and injunctive relief.
135.065 - Temporary injunctions.