The Franchise Disclosure Register has been operational since November 2023. The question now arises: Was the creation of the register a waste of time and money? The lack of searchability of the register – even when you type in an exact name for a franchisor, you will be lucky if you find them! – means that there are significant challenges in just navigating the register. If you are lucky enough to actually find the franchise system you are searching, then the information contai...

Shareholder agreements are those between the shareholders of a company that govern how the shareholders will operate the business and the company. They are similar to a partnership agreement but for a corporate structure. They will govern such matters as: 1.      the roles of the shareholders in the operation of the company and the business. This is often a point of contention for shareholders if they have not previously agreed on the role of each of them. Shareho...

Mediation or alternative dispute resolution is a process provided for in the Franchising Code of Conduct which endeavours to allow parties to resolve disputes in a more timely and cost-effective manner than resorting to the court system. The process is commenced by the complainant issuing a notice of dispute to the other party. The notice of dispute must comply with the Code and outline what the dispute is, how the claimant wants the dispute to be resolved and what it believes will resolve ...