The Franchising Code of Conduct
All franchise agreements in Australia must comply with the Franchising Code of Conduct. This mandatory industry code sets minimum disclosure requirements and cooling-off periods. However, the Code permits franchisors significant flexibility in drafting agreement terms. Many provisions that seem standard are actually negotiable.
A franchise contract lawyer Australia understands which terms fall within industry norms and which represent overreach. We've reviewed agreements from major franchise systems and smaller operators alike. This experience allows us to benchmark your agreement against market standards.
Common Issues We Identify
Franchise agreements frequently contain provisions that favour the franchisor at the franchisee's expense. Territory clauses may appear exclusive but contain carve-outs for online sales or certain customer types. Renewal rights might be conditional on expensive store refurbishments. Marketing fund contributions can increase without franchisee approval.
Fee structures deserve particular attention. Beyond the initial franchise fee and ongoing royalties, agreements often include technology fees, training charges, audit costs, and mandatory supplier arrangements. We calculate the total cost of compliance so you understand the true financial commitment.
Exit and Transfer Restrictions
How you leave a franchise matters as much as how you enter. Many franchisees discover too late that their agreement makes selling the business difficult or expensive. Transfer fees, franchisor approval requirements, and post-termination restraints can significantly reduce the value of your investment.
Our franchise disclosure document review examines these provisions carefully. We explain what happens if you want to sell, if you become unable to operate, or if the franchisor terminates your agreement. Understanding these scenarios upfront allows you to negotiate better terms or make an informed decision about proceeding.
The Fixed Fee Advantage
Traditional legal advice often involves hourly billing that makes costs unpredictable. For franchise agreement review, this creates problems. You might hesitate to ask questions or request clarification because each interaction adds to your bill.
Our fixed fee lawyer contract review model eliminates this concern. You receive a quote upfront that covers the complete review. Ask as many questions as you need about our findings. The price remains the same whether your review takes two hours or ten.
