Expert legal services for growing your business

When you're growing and expanding your business, franchising and licensing are pivotal strategies. Few commercial relationships require the rigorous legal documentation demanded by a franchise or license agreement. To ensure every franchisee has identical essential systems and rules, the guiding documentation must be resolute. On the other hand, if you are buying a franchise, you want to get what you’re promised. Come and talk to us if you are considering entering a business either as a franchisor or a franchisee.

Navigate franchising and licensing with confidence

At P&B Law, we ensure you ask the right questions and provide you with the correct advice to get your business off to the best start. Our expert business lawyers provide comprehensive legal solutions for both franchisors and licensees. Leveraging our extensive experience, we guide you through the intricate legalities of franchising and licensing agreements, ensuring your business objectives are met with precision and legal compliance.

Commercial lease clause

Our franchising services

As a franchisor, you are granting someone a right to carry on a business using a system that you own or are entitled to license. We assist with:

  • Drafting and reviewing franchise agreements
  • Legal advice on franchise setup and structure
  • Compliance with the Franchising Code of Conduct
  • Dispute resolution and litigation support
  • Ongoing legal advice for franchise operation and management.

Our licensing services

As a franchisee, you are buying from someone a right to carry on a business using a system that they own or are entitled to license. Our services include:

  • Crafting and negotiating licensing agreements
  • Intellectual property rights protection and management
  • Advice on compliance with industry-specific licensing regulations
  • Support in resolving licensing disputes
  • Strategic advice for maximising licensing opportunities.

Need strategic legal advice on franchising or licensing? Get in touch today with one of our expert lawyers.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS)

Our expert lawyers are here to answer all your legal questions about business and property law. If you can’t find the answers you’re looking for below, contact the team today.

Franchising offers a quick and effective way to expand businesses and brand presence. It involves a business relationship between the business owner (franchisor) and a franchisee who is granted the right to use the business model, trademark, or brand. Franchisees will typically pay an initial franchise fee and ongoing royalties. Read more in our Guide to Franchising a Business.

The franchisor provides the franchisee with an established business model, brand name, and ongoing support. This might include training, marketing strategies, operational guidelines, and sometimes assistance in site selection and setup.

Common challenges include managing the relationship between the franchisee and franchisor, ensuring quality control, adapting to local markets, and legal compliance. These are addressed through clear communication, robust commercial documentation, and ensuring adherence to legal and operational guidelines.

Licensing involves an arrangement where the owner of intellectual property, like a trademark, patent, or copyrigh,t grants permission to another party to use that intellectual property for a specific purpose.

Licensing can dilute a company's control over its brand since licensees operate more independently than franchisees. It's crucial to have a well-drafted licensing agreement to ensure brand standards are maintained.