Overview

Franchise and distribution systems concentrate risk in three places: the franchise agreement, the Code, and the network itself. Thomsons advises on all three.

We act for franchisors, franchisees, licensors and distributors. Our work covers establishment, governance, regulatory engagement and contested matters, including multi-party and class proceedings.

Areas of expertise

Our experience

Craveable Brands – National network leasing

Acting for Craveable Brands (Red Rooster, Oporto) and KFC on retail footprint, site control and leasing arrangements underpinning their national networks.

Isaac Property – Convenience retail arrangements

Acting for Isaac Property on convenience retail arrangements with 7-Eleven, Ampol and Shell.

Global furniture giant – Australian services

Acting for global homewares and furniture retailer on Australian retail site, leasing and distribution arrangements.

Lorna Jane – Managing global trade mark portfolio

Acting for Lorna Jane to manage its global trade mark portfolio. Enforce brand rights across e-commerce distribution platforms, including TEMU and SHEIN.

Mitsubishi – Class action defence

Acting for Mitsubishi Motors Corporation and Mitsubishi Motors Australia in defendinga Federal Court consumer class action concerning fuel consumption labelling across the dealer distribution network. The first class action of its kind in Australia. Industry-wide implications.

Global consumer brands – Brand protection, licensing, enforcement

Acting for global retail and consumer brands on brand protection, licensing and enforcement across franchise and distribution networks in Australia and internationally.

Representative networks and intermediaries – Regulatory compliance, frameworks, governance

Acting for authorised representative networks and intermediaries in financial services distribution on regulatory compliance, authorisation frameworks and network governance.