Business, Franchise, and Licensing Lawyers in NSW

Practical, plain‑English advice to start, buy, franchise or license your business — with confidence.

Whether you’re starting up, purchasing an existing business, planning a sale, expanding, franchising or negotiating licences, the legal details matter.

Our NSW business lawyers guide you through due diligence, contracts, compliance and the Franchising Code of Conduct—clearly and efficiently. We work with owners and operators across South West Sydney to reduce risk, protect value and keep deals moving.

Speak with our team today to make confident, legally sound decisions at every stage.

How We Help

We act across the full business lifecycle — from set‑up and growth to restructuring, exit and dispute resolution. Our work commonly includes:

Business Structuring & Governance

  • Choosing and implementing the right structure (sole trader, partnership, company, trust)
  • Shareholders’ agreements / partnership deeds
  • Director duties and corporate governance under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth)

Franchising (Franchisors)

  • Preparing franchise documentation: franchise agreement, disclosure document, key facts sheet, operations manual
  • Compliance with the Franchising Code of Conduct under the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth)
  • Marketing fund and disclosure compliance, renewals, variations and network policies
  • Territory, fees/royalties, performance obligations and restraint clauses

Franchising (Franchisees)

  • Fixed‑fee pre‑purchase due diligence and advice
  • Review and negotiation of franchise agreement, disclosure, leases and supply terms
  • Transfers, renewals, exits and dispute management (including mediation)

Licensing & Intellectual Property

  • Brand and technology licensing (trade marks, copyright, know‑how and software/SaaS)
  • Scope/territory, exclusivity, royalties, audit & reporting, quality control and termination
  • IP assignments, confidentiality (NDAs) and restraint provisions; coordination with IP Australia for trade marks

Buying & Selling Businesses / Franchises

  • Legal due diligence (commercial, contract, lease, employment and IP)
  • Asset vs share sale advice; drafting business sale agreements
  • Assignment of leases, transfer of contracts and IP; PPSR releases; settlement

Commercial Contracts

  • Supply, distribution and service agreements; manufacturing and reseller arrangements
  • Consultancy agreements, master service agreements, website/SaaS terms and privacy
  • Contract reviews, negotiation support and risk allocation

Licences & Regulatory Compliance

  • Identifying and obtaining required licences (e.g. retail, food, hospitality/liquor, health & beauty, transport and logistics)
  • Advice on the Australian Consumer Law (ACL), competition law and industry‑specific rules
  • Privacy compliance (APPs) and data handling policies

Disputes & Risk Management

  • Contract, franchise and licensing disputes — negotiation, mediation, arbitration and litigation
  • Misrepresentation, breach, termination and restraint enforcement/defence

FAQ's

Here are answers to the questions we’re most often asked about franchising, licensing and buying or selling a business in NSW—if yours isn’t covered, get in touch and we’ll provide advice tailored to your situation.

Yes. We run conflict checks and engage with clear, separate scopes.

Often 3–5 business days from receiving documents (faster if urgent). Turnaround depends on scope and complexity.

Advice on the franchise agreement, disclosure document, fees/royalties, territory, supplier terms, lease, exit/transfer rights and key risks — with practical negotiation points.

Yes. We manage negotiations and mediations under the Code and, if required, commence or defend proceedings.

Yes — we act for clients across NSW with video meetings and secure e‑signing.

Fees and what’s included

We agree fees upfront and explain standard NSW disbursements such as searches, certificates and the PEXA fee. You’ll receive a straightforward breakdown at the start, and we’ll only recommend optional searches or reports when they add value to your matter.

Plain-English answers to common questions

No. NSW settlements are electronic. We verify your identity, obtain your client authorisation and handle settlement on your behalf.

It’s a solicitor’s certificate that waives the buyer’s cooling-off rights. Sometimes it helps you secure a property in a competitive situation; other times it’s unnecessary or risky. We’ll advise based on your finance, the property and the contract.

We’ll diarise the due date and help arrange payment. The general position is within three months of exchange, although some off-the-plan purchases may have deferral options. Either way, we make sure timing doesn’t hold up settlement.

Most NSW matters settle on a timetable agreed in the contract — often around six weeks — but we regularly negotiate shorter or longer periods to match finance, lease ends and moving plans.

Both can complete a standard NSW transfer. Conveyancers are licensed property professionals and focus on conveyancing work. Solicitors are lawyers who can also advise on related legal issues (for example family law settlements, estates and tax implications), negotiate complex terms and act if a dispute arises. If your matter has extra moving parts or you just want one team from start to finish, a solicitor-led file is usually the safer choice. At Chidiac Legal, every conveyance is run by a solicitor.

You don’t need to learn the statutes — we apply them for you — but in plain English the framework includes: the Torrens Title system and Real Property Act (how land is registered), the Conveyancing Act and Sale of Land Regulation (what has to be in a contract and how it’s exchanged), strata laws for apartments and townhouses, the Duties Act (transfer duty) and mandatory electronic conveyancing rules overseen by NSW Land Registry and ARNECC. We make sure your matter complies at each step.

It’s a council-issued certificate that discloses zoning, planning controls and certain hazards affecting the land. For most residential sales it must be attached to the contract so buyers know exactly what they’re purchasing.

Typically: the title search and deposited plan, the section 10.7 planning certificate, a sewer/drainage diagram, and inclusions list. For strata properties we also include the strata plan and by-laws. We’ll prepare or check these and explain anything unusual.

Why Choose Chidiac Legal for Your Business Needs

We serve a diverse range of clients, including entrepreneurs, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), multinational corporations, franchisors, franchisees, licensors, and licencees. Our clients come from various industries, including retail, hospitality, healthcare, technology, and manufacturing, and they come to us because of the value we provide.

Contact us to find out why our clients continue to trust us to help their businesses and business goals succeed.

Knowledge

Our team comprises experienced lawyers with in‑depth knowledge of Australian business, franchise and licensing law, applied to real‑world commercial goals.

Tailored Solutions

Every business is different. We provide personalised advice and documents shaped to your industry, budget and risk profile.

Courtroom prowess

We are seasoned negotiators and litigators. From negotiations and mediations to court proceedings, we focus on practical outcomes and protecting your position.

Client-Centric Approach

Clear communication, responsiveness and plain‑English advice at every stage, with transparent fees and timelines.

Comprehensive Services

End‑to‑end support across structuring, transactions, franchising, licensing, IP, contracts, compliance and disputes—so you have one team for the entire lifecycle.

Contact our Business, Franchise, and Licensing Lawyers in NSW Today

Ready to take the next step in your business journey? Contact us now to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced lawyers. Let us help you navigate the complexities of business, franchise, and licensing law in NSW and achieve your goals with confidence in and beyond Australia.

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