Specialist Franchise Dispute Lawyers for Australian Businesses
Franchise disputes arise between franchisors and franchisees over issues such as breach of the franchise agreement, unfair termination, disclosure obligations, territory boundaries and royalty or fee disagreements. These disputes are often governed by the Franchising Code of Conduct as well as the underlying agreement, and left unresolved, they can disrupt a franchise network and damage the commercial relationship on both sides. We act for franchisors and franchisees across Australia, stepping in early to assess a dispute and identify the fastest realistic path to resolution.
Our team has deep experience with the Franchising Code of Conduct and the contractual issues that drive most franchise disputes, from termination and non-renewal to disclosure and good faith obligations. We pursue negotiation and mediation wherever they genuinely serve our client’s interests, and litigate decisively when a matter has to be fought. Fixed-fee options are available for defined stages of a matter, and we act nationally from offices in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Perth.
Franchise Agreement Disputes
We advise on and act in disputes arising from a breach or ambiguity in a franchise agreement.
Franchise Termination & Non-Renewal
We act for franchisors and franchisees in disputes over the termination or non-renewal of a franchise.
Franchising Code of Conduct Compliance
We advise on disputes involving disclosure, good faith and other obligations under the Franchising Code of Conduct.
Territory & Royalty Disputes
We help resolve disagreements over franchise territory boundaries, royalties and fees.
Franchisor-Franchisee Relationship Disputes
We help franchisors and franchisees work through breakdowns in the operating relationship before they escalate.
Negotiation, Mediation & Litigation Support
We resolve franchise disputes through negotiation and mediation where possible, and represent clients in court when needed.
Our Services
- Distribution & Trading Agreement Disputes
- Poor Termination ProvisionsÂ
- Breach of Contract Claims
- Contract Disputes
- Ambiguous Contractual Obligations
- Business Sale Disputes
- Dispute Resolution Services
FAQs
A franchise dispute is a disagreement between a franchisor and franchisee, commonly over termination, breach of the franchise agreement, disclosure obligations, or territory and royalty issues.
The Franchising Code of Conduct is a mandatory industry code under Australian Consumer Law that sets minimum standards for disclosure, good faith and dispute resolution in franchise relationships.
In most cases, no. Franchise agreements and the Franchising Code of Conduct generally require proper notice and a genuine reason before a franchise can be terminated.
Many franchise disputes are resolved through negotiation or the mediation process required under the Franchising Code of Conduct, before escalating to court if needed.
A franchisee can raise the breach directly, pursue mediation under the Code, or seek legal advice on their options, including a claim for damages or termination.
As early as possible, particularly once a dispute over termination, disclosure or the agreement’s terms arises, so options can be assessed before positions become entrenched.
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