February 10, 2026
Taya Foxman
10 February 2026
Commercial, Franchising
Sanicki Lawyers Franchise License and Distribution team were kept extremely busy over the last year, acting for local and overseas franchisors coming to Australia, advising franchisees, resolving disputes and negotiating exits without resort to costly litigation.
We were very pleased to assist overseas franchisors from the UK, Canada, Hong Kong, Singapore and Europe to enter the Australian market and ensure their Franchise Code compliance noting that the new Franchise Code came into effect on the 1 April 2025, which created considerable work in updating our clients franchise agreements and disclosure statements.
Over the past 12 months we have assisted several well-known franchise systems both local and overseas including Sportsco, % Arabica (Asia/Europe), The Frenchams Group, Kinderland (Singapore), We Make Footballers (UK), Little Learners (UK), Complete Nursing & Home Care (Aust), CVA Medical Group, Hire Rite (NSW) and The Grey Army, to name a few.
Australia is one of the most highly regulated countries in the franchise sector with a mandatory Code of conduct and significant penalties for Franchisors and their directors if they fail to comply with the mandatory Franchise Code and disclosure regime.
With our over 38 years of experience in the franchise sector, we not only support our clients with the legal advice but also commercial advice as we know the market. We have a network of specialist consultants to assist our franchisors in the areas of demographics, financial modelling, property and leasing, marketing and recruitment.
The growth areas in 2026 will continue to be in the QSR hospitality sector, personal health and beauty services, home care and home maintenance and early learning and children’s programs. The interest from overseas franchisors who see the Australian market as an excellent business opportunity, will continue to ensure that Australia has a dynamic franchise sector.
The impact of AI is already having an incredible impact on all businesses and Franchisors will need to ensure they adapt and implement AI into all aspects of their business to stay relevant and competitive in the market.
Whether seeking advice as a Franchisor, Master Franchisee or Franchisee seeking Specialist advice will reduce your risks and help to ensure your success. Sanicki Lawyers are members of the Franchise Council of Australia (FCA), the International Franchise Lawyers Association (IFLA) and Global Law Network with associate law firms around the world who can assist our clients.
Robert Toth I Special Counsel I Accredited Commercial & Franchise Law Specialist | robert@sanickilawyers.com.au | mobile +61 412 673 757
