Joining the growing Australian franchise market requires strategic planning combined with an understanding of the market and regulatory system. Before embarking on a franchising system, you must protect your intellectual property and trademarks.

No special licence or registration is needed for a business to commence franchising in Australia. However, you must comply with the Franchising Code of Conduct which is a mandatory code of conduct prescribed under the Trade Practices Acts 1974 (Cth).

Before franchising, your business needs to be well established and have a successful trading history, at least 5 years of operations is recommended. The costs of franchising a business vary, and will depend upon the complexity of the business to be franchised.

For further franchising legal advice including protection of intellectual property and all legal documentation required to operate a franchise business, visit Stephens Lawyers & Consultants’ company page and send us an enquiry or visit our website to see our publication: ÒFranchising in AustraliaÓ.