We understand how important quality legal advice is to the success of any business in the fashion industry. Our expertise extends to all aspects of branding and brand protection, through the use of trade marks, copyright and registered designs. We assist our clients navigate all types of fashion related agreements whether they be manufactures, importers, (online or traditional) retailers or all of the above!
With a deep understanding of the business and legal framework in fashion, we can assist you in navigating the legal landscape with confidence. At Sanicki Lawyers, we work closely with creative entrepreneurs and fashion businesses to provide tailored legal advice that aligns with both your vision and your commercial goals. Our staff have personal experience in the industry, and appreciate the inner workings, challenges, and nuances of running a business in fashion – not just in theory, but in practice.
We understand the importance of protecting your brand name, logo, copyright and designs to safeguard your brand identity. We can assist in this process by registering your trade marks and designs and advising on copyright protection to ensure your creations are protected. If your intellectual property has been infringed, we can also assist you to enforce your rights and pursue infringing parties.
Setting up a business structure or shifting to a new structure when your business grows can be difficult to navigate. We can provide you with advice on how best to structure your business and assist you with effective asset protection measures.
A fashion business requires well-crafted contracts and services agreements with manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, talent, models, influencers, agents, contractors and employees. We can help tailor contracts to fit your business needs by ensuring your interests are protected. It is important to note that the laws around contracts with employees and contractors are constantly evolving, meaning it is important to seek advice from an industry specialist lawyer to make sure your contracts are legally sound.
Compliance with the Australian Consumer Law (‘ACL’) is essential to running any fashion business. ACL regulations need to be complied with when you are selling goods (or services) to consumers. The ACL can be complex, and we can assist you in navigating this.
Businesses that run a promotional giveaway where consumers enter for a chance to win a prize, known as a “trade promotion” requires strict adherence to certain legislative rules, including ACL which prohibits conduct that misleads or deceives consumers. These requirements extend to any marketing or social media campaign designed to advertise the trade promotion and we can assist by ensuring you are compliant with state legislation and permit requirements.
With the rise of artificial intelligence (“AI”) tools like ChatGPT can be a helpful starting point, however, it simply doesn’t replace the insight, precision, and foresight of an experienced legal professional. We’ve seen how AI-generated contracts and agreements miss critical clauses, leave out key protections, or fail
to align with current legal standards. The real danger often lies not in what these documents say – but in what they don’t say. Gaps, vague terms, or poorly worded provisions can leave you exposed to costly disputes or unintended obligations down the track. Legal documents are not one-size-fits-all. By working with a lawyer, you’ll get advice tailored to your needs, documents that reflect your interests, and peace of mind knowing you’re properly protected.
supply agreements, manufacture and distribution agreements, confidentiality agreements, and franchise agreements.
including drafting, review, advice and negotiation.
Grace Madafferi is a litigation lawyer at Sanicki Lawyers, practising across building disputes, employment law, banking and finance (including fraudulent transfers and irresponsible lending), defamation, probate, and wills and estates.
Grace is a founding member of the firm’s Hospitality Law Team, specialising in liquor licensing matters. She advises licensees on compliance, defends infringement notices, and assists with regulatory investigations and prosecutions. Grace works closely with Special Counsel Terence O’Brien on complex matters under the Liquor Control Reform Act 1998, Planning and Environment Act 1987, and EPA Noise Regulations. Her experience includes liaising with Victoria Police and Liquor Control Victoria. Grace also provides in-house compliance training to licensees and staff, ensuring they navigate the regulatory environment with confidence.
Grace holds a Bachelor of Laws and Business and was admitted to practice in 2023. While studying, she worked at Tiffany & Co., assisting with trademark enforcement and training Australian Border Force officers on counterfeit goods.
Grace is known for her practical legal advice, relationship building, strong communication, and strategic approach. She is an active member of the Victorian Women Lawyers Mentoring Committee and is a die-hard supporter of the Melbourne Football Club.
Tugce joined Sanicki Lawyers in September 2023. She practices primarily in commercial law, with a focus on Trade Promotion matters. Tugce also has experience and a growing practice in the area of employment law. Tugce completed her Bachelor of Laws with Honours in 2022 and was admitted to practice in 2023 after completing her practical legal training at the College of Law. Tugce also holds a Bachelor of Legal and Dispute Studies from RMIT University.
Tugce focuses on providing tailored advice for all Trade Promotions matters which can be a great marketing tool for businesses. However, it is a complex area of law and it is important to understand the legal considerations involved. This includes each State and Territory regulations, permit requirements, terms and conditions, privacy policies, and regulations against misleading and deceptive conduct. Having assisted and continuing to assist various businesses running monthly Trade Promotions with confidence, Tugce has been described as being incredibly attentive and reliable.
Aside from her legal career, Tugce has been running her own business in women’s fashion since 2016. Tugce and her business partner launched a platform where women can hire designer clothes and goods, out of a mutual love for iconic luxury brands and a desire to make their wardrobe affordable and accessible to women across Australia. Tugce’s experience in managing a business since the age of 19 has exemplified her confidence, resilience, willingness to sacrifice, and relentless determination for success. These strengths and attributes are undoubtedly transferable to her clients at Sanicki Lawyers.
