Craig is a principal who practices primarily in the areas of franchise and distribution litigation and commercial litigation. As a litigator, Craig represents companies and individuals in trial, arbitration, and other civil proceedings throughout the United States. He has represented clients in a wide variety of matters, including franchise disputes, complex business fraud actions, securities fraud claims, trademark and trade dress infringement, noncompete enforcement, shareholder disputes, contract disputes, creditors' remedies, and unfair trade practices claims. Craig is experienced in guiding clients through the dispute resolution process, whether through litigation, arbitration, mediation, or negotiation.
Craig was chair or cochair of Gray Plant Mooty’s Culture & Diversity Committee from 2004-2007.
Representative Cases
- Bonus of Am., Inc. v. Angel Falls Servs., L.L.C., 2010 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 67079 (D. Minn. July 6, 2010) (granting preliminary injunction and enforcing in-term noncompete agreement against franchisee and those who acted in concert with the franchisee to evade the noncompete agreement)
- Bonus of Am., Inc. v. Angel Falls Servs., L.L.C., 2010 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 53598 (D. Minn. May 28, 2010) (granting TRO and enforcing in-term noncompete agreement against franchisee)
- Pirtek USA, LLC v. Bobby Moore, et al, American Arbitration Association, Case File No. 33 114 00360 07 (AAA 2008) (enforcement of noncompete agreement, attorneys’ fees provision, and personal guaranty against former franchisee)
- Wilcox et al. v. Pirtek USA, LLC, America Arbitration Association, Case File No. 33 114 Y 00030 05 (AAA 2006) (litigation by and against a group of franchisees concerning pricing of product and enforcement of post-term obligations)
- Pirtek USA, LLC v. Wilcox, Bus. Franchise Guide (CCH) 13,511 (AAA 2007) (enforcement of franchisor’s noncompete agreement and award of lost profits against former franchisee)
- Wilcox et al. v. Pirtek USA, LLC, Bus. Franchise Guide (CCH) 13,404 (AAA 2006)
- Pirtek USA, LLC v. Zaetz, 408 F. Supp. 2d 81 (D. Conn. 2005)
- Pirtek USA, LLC v. Layer, Bus. Franchise Guide (CCH) 13,357 (D. Fla. 2005) (enforcement of franchisor’s noncompete agreement and other post-termination obligations against former franchisee)
- Auto-Chlor System of Minnesota, Inc. v. JohnsonDiversey, 328 F. Supp. 2d 980 (D. Minn. 2004)
- Tatan Management v. Jacfran Corp., 270 F. Supp. 2d 197 (D.P.R. 2003) (order holding that franchisor was justified in terminating franchisee’s franchise rights)
- RE/MAX North Central, Inc. v. Cook, 64 Fed.Appx. 562 (7th Cir. 2003) (affirming franchisor’s award of damages and attorneys’ fees on trademark infringement claim)
- RE/MAX North Central, Inc. v. Cook, 272 F.3d 424 (7th Cir. 2001) (affirming courts order granting of preliminary injunction on franchisor’s trademark infringement claim)
Publications
Presentations
- “Money Doesn't Grow On Trees: Effective Strategies for Collecting Amounts Due - Domestically and Internationally,” 44th Annual IFA Legal Symposium, Washington, DC, May 2011
Education
- University of Wisconsin Law School, J.D., 1996
- Gustavus Adolphus College, B.A., 1991
Bar Admissions
- U.S. District Court, District of Minnesota
- U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Wisconsin
- U.S. District Court, Western District of Wisconsin
- Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals
- Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals
Professional Activities
- International Franchise Association
- Federal Bar Association
- American Bar Association, Forum Committee on Franchising
- Minnesota State Bar Association
- Hennepin County Bar Association, Diversity Committee
Honors and Distinctions
- “Rising Star,” Minnesota Law & Politics, 2002, 2005-2006
Community Involvement
- Minnetonka Dance Theatre and School, Board of Directors, member, 2007-2009