The ACCC announced on Thursday that it had issued infringement notices to Cash Converters Pty Ltd and Mobile Travel Agents Pty Ltd, for their alleged failures to comply with the Franchising Code of Conduct and that each franchisor had paid $16,500.00 in penalties.
Stephen Haarsma
Recent posts by Stephen Haarsma
2 min read
Penalties for failure to Update the Franchise Disclosure Register
Topics: Featured For Franchisors Compliance
4 min read
Different Types of Intellectual Property Agreements Explained
When someone refers to an Intellectual Property Agreement, they are referring to an agreement or clause that deals with the creation, use and protection of intellectual property.
There isn't one type of Intellectual Property Agreement. The term "Intellectual Property Agreement" can be a reference to a number of different types of agreements.
What Is Intellectual Property?
Topics: Featured Franchising Branding
4 min read
Documents to be provided to a Franchisee before they enter into a Franchise Agreement
This post was updated on 23 May 2025
The Franchising Code of Conduct (the Franchising Code) provides that certain documents must be given to a franchisee before they enter into a franchise agreement.
Topics: Featured Franchising For Franchisors For Franchisees
7 min read
Confidentiality Agreements: A Comprehensive Guide
In today’s business world, the exchange of sensitive information is a common and often necessary practice. Whether it’s during negotiations for the purchase of a franchise business, the entry into a franchise agreement, or the hiring of a new employee, ensuring that this information remains protected is crucial. One of the most effective tools for safeguarding such information is a confidentiality agreement or the inclusion of a confidentiality clause in an agreement.
What is A Franchise Agreement?
Topics: Featured For Franchisors For Franchisees Branding
6 min read
Are Franchise Agreements Negotiable? Exploring Your Options
Traditionally, franchise agreements were not negotiable. However, in our experience, franchisors have become more willing to negotiate terms and obligations contained in a franchise agreement. This trend is likely to be further influenced by the Unfair Contracts Regime which applies to small business standard form contracts. A franchisor who is open to negotiating key terms in a franchise agreement, may be less likely to have the franchise agreement considered a standard form contract.
Topics: Featured Franchising For Franchisees
5 min read
Legal Requirements To Franchise Your Business
This article was updated on 26 May 2025
The franchising sector in Australia has approximately 1,144 franchise systems and approximately 70,735 franchisees.1
One of the questions I'm asked, when talking to people about franchising their business, is, "what are the legal requirements?".
What I tell them, is that, unfortunately, franchising is legally complex and highly regulated.
I also talk about the many legal requirements that need to be complied with in order to successfully franchise your business. I discuss these requirements in more detail in the article below.
Guide to Franchising Your Business
Topics: Franchising For Franchisors Franchise My Business Compliance
8 min read
Penalty Provisions Under The Australian Consumer Law
The Treasury Laws Amendment (More Competition, Better Prices) Act 2022 ("the Act") came into effect on 9 November 2022.
Topics: Featured For Franchisors Compliance
6 min read
10 Steps to Start a Franchise Business
Franchising can be a great way for business owners to rapidly grow their products or services with relatively low costs. However, building a successful franchise takes careful planning and long-term commitment.
Topics: Featured For Franchisors Franchise My Business
6 min read
Franchise Marketing Funds
The Franchising Code of Conduct (the Franchising Code) sets out the obligations (including annual obligations) relating to advertising and marketing funds operated by a franchisor.
Topics: Featured For Franchisors For Franchisees
2 min read
Standalone Automotive Sector Franchising Code
The Federal Government has released a discussion paper seeking stakeholder views to help the Government assess the practical benefits of a standalone automotive franchising code and options for mandatory binding arbitration.
