FRANCHISE CONTRACT REVIEW

Fixed Fee Franchise Contract Review Services

for first-time franchisees who want to buy a franchise

Our franchise lawyers provide expert legal reviews of franchise contracts to help you make informed, confident decisions.

Our Fixed Fee Packages

What is a Franchise Contract?

A franchise contract is the legal document that outlines the terms of your relationship with the franchisor.

Remember, the franchisor is granting you the right to use its intellectual property, business methods and systems to operate a business under the franchisor's name. The franchisor does not have complete control over your business, as it would if the business was a corporate store. So, the franchisor prepares a contract for you to sign, agreeing to give you the right to operate the franchise business on certain terms and conditions.

The franchise contract covers fees, obligations, territory, premises, restraints, intellectual property, dispute resolution and exit conditions.

 

Franchise Contract vs Franchise Agreement

In legal terms, a franchise contract and a franchise agreement refer to the same document. "Agreement" is the formal term used in Australian law and in the Franchising Code of Conduct.

 

Why a Franchise Contract Review is Essential

Franchise contracts are generally drafted to favour the franchisor. 

The franchise contract enables the franchisor to have some control over the way that you operate your business. This can be compared to a licence agreement, which generally gives the licensor less control over the way that you operate your business.

It is important that you understand what the franchise contract actually means before you commit.

Some first-time franchisees do not understand that when you commit to a franchise agreement, you agree to operate the business for the entire term. If you can't operate the business for the entire term, unless you can sell the business or agree on an exit with the franchisor, you may be liable to pay the franchisor damages.

Also, some franchise contracts contain charges over both the business assets of the franchisee and the personal assets of the directors of the franchisee. 

Recent Franchising Code of Conduct changes, and the introduction of the Unfair Contract Terms regime, mean that not all template franchise contract clauses are enforceable, and some clauses can (and should) be negotiated.

 

Fixed Fee Franchise Contract Reviews

We offer expert, affordable, fixed-fee franchise contract reviews. Our Australia-wide service includes:

✅ An initial discussion about how franchising works and the differences between buying a franchise and starting your own business. 

✅ Review of your franchise contract and disclosure document.

✅ A virtual or in person meeting to go through the franchise contract, discuss your questions, and provide expert tips.

✅ Fast turnaround times.

Our approach is to explain to you how the clauses of your franchise contract work in real life, by providing you with real world examples based on our decades of experience in franchising.

 

Our Fixed Fee Packages

 
 

First Time Franchisee?

We'll review your franchise contract, explain the clauses in plain English, guide you through the disclosure document, give you expert tips, and help you avoid costly mistakes.

 

Franchise Store Open

Have your Franchise Contract?

Once you have received your franchise contract and disclosure document, we can organise a time to meet with you either virtually or in person. 

If you're not sure which of our review packages is right for you, please feel free to call one of us to discuss it further.

Remember, first-time franchising is a big step. You should:

  • understand what franchising is,
  • have your franchise contract reviewed by a franchise lawyer,
  • get accounting and financial advice

Book Your Franchise Contract Review

 

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