Consumer Markets & Franchising
Businesses selling consumer goods and services by operating local, national or international distribution networks need strategic, specialised advice to establish, grow and protect their business.
Our Consumer Markets & Franchising Expertise
Consumer goods and services businesses need to deal with a range of issues when establishing or growing their wholesale or retail distribution networks.
These issues include establishing and operating franchise models, complying with competition, consumer and privacy laws, raising capital, enforcing intellectual property rights and avoiding or resolving disputes.
We work with a wide range of consumer industries – from real estate, food and beverage, and luxury goods and fashion through to franchisors, online businesses and large format retailers.
The clients we work with range from founders and entrepreneurs, angel investors, and private companies, through to listed multi-nationals and private equity funds.
This range means we can approach new or established franchisors, businesses looking to expand, founders seeking investment or those looking to exit with strategic advice that’s grounded in precise commercial understanding.
Our proficiency in franchising has led us to offering guidance throughout the entire process. Every franchise system is unique, and the legal documentation needs to reflect this. Similarly for clients looking to expand, we help them choose the right expansion model that facilitates potential growth.
We can also work closely with in-house legal teams to deliver a seamless product or part of a project with the sensitives of balancing stakeholder needs.
Meet the team and browse their latest blogs and case studies to find the right lawyer for you.
Insights from the Team
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Featured
The Franchisor Handbook
By Greg Hipwell
The handbook is designed to assist franchisors in navigating the legislative and regulatory framework
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Featured
Maddocks advises Go-To Skincare on partnership with BWX
Maddocks has advised Zoë Foster Blake and co-founders of Go-To Skincare on their sale of 50.1% of their business to BWX.
Latest insights
Key changes to the Franchising Code of Conduct
Key Changes to the Franchising Code of Conduct and preliminary thoughts on those changes.
What does ACCC v Woolworths mean for product claims and how will it impact manufacturers
What ACCC v Woolworths means for manufacturers
Latest news
ACCC’s appeal hopes flushed away in Kimberly-Clark wipes case
In a decision handed down last month, the Full Court of the Federal Court dismissed the Australian Competition and...
Maddocks advises on sale of iconic Australian company
We have advised Clark Rubber on its sale to investors
Case studies
Broken down – ACCC’s ‘future matters’ claims strategy in doubt
The Federal Court has ruled against one of the ACCC’s favoured approaches when litigating manufacturers’ claims
Chicken Wars: Nando's franchisees strike back
A key case on obligation of good faith and prohibition of unconscionable conduct connecting with franchise agreements
Other services used by our Consumer Markets & Franchising clients
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Mergers & Acquisitions
We advise businesses on all types of business acquisition transactions, from legal guidance to practical management of issues.
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Procurement & Contracting
We advise clients in all sectors on their procurement and contracting matters.
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Competition & Regulation
We advise clients on navigating the issues, investigations and enforcement of competition & regulation laws.
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Employment, Remuneration & Benefits
Our employment law service spans recruitment, remuneration policies and benefits for your workforce.
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Workplace Health & Safety
We assist clients navigate a range of safety laws and regulations.
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Compliance & Enforcement
We regularly act for government clients who require others to comply with a full range of enforcement-related matters.
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Licensing & Disciplinary Inquiries
We support government clients in facilitating action against licensing and disciplinary offences.
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Litigation
Our lawyers understand that taking action through litigation is sometimes required to successfully achieve business goals.
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Royal Commissions, Inquiries & Inquests
Our Royal Commissions and inquiries team is one of Australia’s leaders in the field, resulting in strategic advice that benefits our clients.
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Advertising, Brand & Marketing
We advise clients on their legal and regulatory requirements when taking their advertising, branding and marketing activities to market.
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Cyber & Data Resilience
We offer a holistic approach for businesses seeking advice, procurement and implementation regarding cyber & data resilience.
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Information Technology
We advise Australian clients on contracting, regulation and resilience of information technology solutions and services.
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