The Franchising Code of Conduct requires that a franchisor advise a franchisee in writing at least 6 months before the end of the franchise term whether or not the franchisor intends to renew or extend the franchise agreement. A failure to comply with this clause can attract a maximum financial penalty of $63,000. Bob Jane Corporation failed to notify some of its franchisees in accordance with the above requirements. Bob Jane gave a court enforceable undertaking that it would comply w...

7-Eleven and franchisees authorised to co-operate on store opening times. The ACCC has granted consent to 7-Eleven and its franchisees discussing temporary store closures because of reduced demand as a result of COVID-19 restrictions. The reason consent was required is that 7-Eleven operates some of its own stores and as such is technically a competitor with some of its franchisees. If they had these discussions without seeking ACCC consent that could potentially breach competition laws...

The focus of the law can change so quickly in a crisis. The ACCC released a press release on 27 March 2020 which reflected just that. Whilst we are far from a lawless nation, these relaxations are sensible and will hopefully help to save businesses from teetering over the edge. Game Changer:  potential authorisations to allow competitors to coordinate - this is usually unlawful What's in: efforts to stop businesses seeking to exploit the crisis causing harm to consumers or enha...