Business Franchise Australia features DMAW Lawyers' Seva Surmei - July 2023

Congratulations to DMAW Lawyers' franchise law expert Seva Surmei for being featured by Business Franchise Australia with her article "Franchisors warned to be fair or face hefty fines".

In her article, Seva discusses the hefty fines coming into effect this year for unfair contract terms in standard form contracts, with particular advice to franchisors on reviewing reviewing the terms of their franchise agreements.

You can access the full article here via the Business Franchise Australia website.

Seva was recognised in The Best Lawyers in Australia™ 2024 for work in Franchise Law.

Seva was also named "Lawyer of the Year" by Best Lawyers® for Franchise Law in the Adelaide area in 2024 and 2022, an accolade which is only awarded to a single lawyer in each practice area and jurisdiction.

As outlined in Seva's Business Franchise Australia article, the unfair contract terms (UCT) regime is undergoing significant changes starting from 9 November 2023. After this date, having unfair terms in standard form contracts will be an offence, carrying substantial pecuniary penalties. Contractual counterparties will also have access to other effective remedies.

Franchisors should seek professional legal advice about how the unfair contract terms regime may impact their business and what changes can be made now.

Our franchise law team would be delighted to assist your business with a compliance review of its franchise agreements and standard form contracts, ensuring any necessary amendments are made.

Contact Seva Surmei to find out more or to engage the services of our expert franchise law team today.

Franchising is a complex, yet powerful tool for business growth. Starting a franchise is a big decision, and if you’re already a franchisee or franchisor, you’ll have jumped through plenty of legal hoops. Partnering with expert franchise lawyers like us can make your journey manageable.

Our franchise lawyers represent both franchisors and franchisees with Adelaide-based, national and international operations in a range of industries, including financial services, real estate, hospitality and retail. We are a trusted long-term adviser to many iconic Adelaide-based and South Australian franchisors, regularly assisting in-house legal teams, risk and compliance teams, management and boards with their operational needs and significant projects.

Our franchise lawyers represent both franchisors and franchisees with Adelaide-based, national and international operations in a range of industries, including financial services, real estate, hospitality and retail. We are a trusted long-term adviser to many iconic Adelaide-based and South Australian franchisors, regularly assisting in-house legal teams, risk and compliance teams, management and boards with their operational needs and significant projects.

If you’re a start-up franchisor, we’ll advise you about establishing franchise structures, and produce all the documents needed to commence your franchising business. We’ll also help you comply with the Franchising Code of Conduct and other specialist laws.

Your business will further benefit from our ability to keep a close eye on any proposed and significant legislative changes. Our franchise law experts will keep you informed about how those changes may impact your business, suggest preventative action and recommend how to comply with new laws.

Contact Seva to find out more about how our franchise law team can assist your business.

Seva Surmei

• T +61 8 8210 2243
• M +61 421 931 777
• ssurmei@dmawlawyers.com.au