This article will looks back on some of the key developments that occurred in the franchising sector in 2024, offering a reminder of changes and developments that occurred and foreshadowing what franchise businesses can expect in this coming year.

Scam emails from senders purporting to be Trade Mark Attorneys from “Trademark Registry Hub” or “Patents Registry Hub” are currently circulating with a number of our client’s reportedly receiving the same communication. These emails can be concerning and convincing. Here’s what to do.

It is reported that Rachael Gunn (better known as ‘Raygun’) who represented Australia in Break Dancing at this year’s Olympics in Paris has sent a letter of demand to Steph Broadbridge alleging potential infringements of her unregistered trade marks and copyright should Ms Broadbridge perform her musical ‘Raygun: The Musical’. The musical was set to be performed on Saturday, but was pulled following Raygun’s letter of demand.

“This case is an unfortunate one in the sense that two enterprising women in different countries each adopted their name as a trade mark at a time that each was unaware of the existence of the other.”

Receiving a letter of demand alleging copyright infringement can be daunting. However, allegations of infringement should not be ignored, so as not to be exposed to significant additional damages. A recent decision from the Federal Court highlights the importance of acknowledging such demands.

Collective bargaining presents on its face an attractive option for franchisees. By joining forces and splitting negotiating costs, franchisees may be able to use collective power to strengthen their bargaining position and negotiate more favourable outcomes with their franchisor.

This update replicates a legal update provided to the Franchise Council of Australia’s February breakfast at Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club.

On Thursday 16 November 2023, the Federal Court handed down the decision McD Asia Pacific LLC v Hungry Jack’s Pty Ltd [2023] FCA 1412 (McD) where it was held the trade mark ‘BIG JACK’ and ‘MEGA JACK’ were not deceptively similar to McDonald’s registered trade marks ‘BIG MAC’ and ‘MEGA MAC’.

Receiving an offer from a publisher is an exciting moment. Nothing quite compares to the thrill of knowing that one day your work may be seen in print.

Are you considering taking your products and services global?

Australia’s Export Market Development Grant Scheme (EMDG) is a government financial assistance program that assists small and medium enterprises to start or expand their export business.

Receiving an offer from a publisher is an exciting moment. Nothing quite compares to the thrill of knowing that one day your work may be seen in print.

Every destination on the Internet – whether it be a news site, blog, online store or business portal – has a unique address, and that address falls under a domain name.