Uber Technologies Inc. (NYSE: UBER) and Lyft Inc. (NASAQ: LYFT) reportedly are considering adopting a franchise model in California as an alternative to having to classify their independent contractor drivers as full-time employees, according to digitaltrends, which cited a story in The New York Times. Both ridesharing companies are “seriously discussing” licensing out their brands to vehicle fleet operators in a franchise-like model to circumvent AB 5, California’s get-tough bill on independent contractor misclassification, according to the stories.