Franchise Lawyer Melbourne

Whether you’re a franchisee or franchisor, our team at McMahon Fearnley has the expertise and experience to assist. If you’re starting a new franchise, maintaining and growing an existing franchise, or entering into a franchise agreement, our franchise law solicitors can offer you the advice you need to achieve the best possible outcomes.

Our franchise lawyers are able to act in a franchise advisory capacity, using our experience to help both franchisees and franchisors navigate the complexities of relevant regulations and codes in Australia.

We regularly act for a variety of franchisors, advising them on system development, structuring agreements and disclosure documents, including preparing trademarks and licenses to protect the intellectual property of their business. Our team is experienced in the Franchising Code of Conduct and related consumer law, and is able to advise franchisors on issues of compliance and franchisee disputes.

We’ve also worked with greenfield franchises to establish their business, from concept to market. If you are a franchisee wishing to buy an existing franchised business, we will assist you in complying with all regulatory requirements, helping you progress your new business.

We’re proud to be a member of the Franchising Council of Australia, the peak representative body for the Franchise Industry in Australia.

When do you need a franchise lawyer?

For franchisors and franchisees, understanding your rights within franchise legislation in Australia can be complex. Our team can help navigate the complexities of the law and help franchise businesses continue to succeed.

Franchisors can rely on our team for advice relating to the Franchising Code of Conduct, including questions of compliance, franchisee rights and dispute resolution where necessary.

Our team is experienced in litigation and mediation relating to franchise disputes. We can also help franchisors with intellectual property, including trademarks and licenses.

Joining a Franchise (Franchisees)

Our team can help new franchisees understand the relevant law and work through rights and responsibilities. We are experienced in the complexities of franchise agreements, and can negotiate with franchisors on your behalf. We are also able to advise franchisees on the obligations of franchisors, including Disclosure Documents and lease agreements.

We can also provide advice relating to franchisee responsibilities under Australian consumer law and the Franchising Code of Conduct.

Starting a Franchise (Franchisors)

Starting a franchise can be a rewarding experience, and we are well equipped to help guide franchisors through their legal responsibilities. We can help draft franchise agreements, limiting certain types of liability and creating the legal structure of the franchise.

Franchisors have many obligations under the Franchising Code of Conduct, and we can assist in providing correct and up-to-date Disclosure Documents and other requirements under the Code.

Franchise Disputes 

Disputes can arise between franchisees and franchisors, and the McMahon Fearnley team is able to provide assistance in such cases. Disputes may arise based on questions of contractual obligations, profitability and risk.

Our team has extensive experience in franchise disputes in litigation and mediation, for both franchisees and franchisors. Such disputes can be costly and potentially damaging to business reputations, and we are able to seek the best outcomes for your case.

To find out more about how we can assist franchisees and franchisors, get in touch with our team today.