Trademark Licensing Protection Act of 2023

S 2173, the Trademark Licensing Protection Act of 2023, clarifies that trademark licensing relationships between franchisors (or trademark owners) and related companies do not create employment relationships under labor laws. It specifically states that franchisors or trademark owners cannot be deemed employers simply because they license a mark or exercise limited control over its use to maintain quality, reputation, or uniformity. The bill explicitly excludes personnel-related policies (like hiring, pay, or work schedules) from being considered "control over the mark" under this provision. This protects franchisors and trademark owners from unintended labor law obligations tied to standard licensing practices.