Are you a Manufacturer? Do you communicate with consumers of your products?
If you are a manufacturer it is important that the representations made to consumers align with the Australian Consumer Law. Communications, and sometimes even no response, can potentially be a breach of the law if found by a court to be misleading or deceptive.
The importance of making correct representations to your consumers about the law has been emphasised in a court decision on June 27, 2018. The Full Court held that LG Electronics Australia Pty Ltd made representations breaching the Australian Consumer Law on two occasions, both in relation to the representations made to consumers about their legal rights.
Two ways of mitigating the risk of fines include training of front line staff and developing standard communications that comply with the code.
If you have a particularly contentious announcement to communicate to we would be pleased to review it for you.
Rankin Law Update: Parliamentary inquiry into franchises!
Big legal changes may be in store for the franchise industry in Australia. Early last month, the parliament began its inquiry into the franchising code of conduct, and franchising system in Australia.
Problems with some franchise relationships have recently been highlighted in the media. Issues reported have included unfair contract arrangements between franchisee or franchisor, or arrangements that are said to lead to the underpayment of wages.
These scandals have generated negative commentary and brand damage the businesses concerned and have created momentum for reform in the franchising sector. Some specific issues under consideration include;
• Termination rights & restraints on trade
• Leasing arrangements & tenant rights
• Running costs & arrangements with prescribed suppliers
• How effective dispute resolution is under the current codes of conduct
Whether you are a franchisor reviewing your franchise agreement or a considering becoming a franchisee it is important you can obtain sound legal advice avoid falling foul of the law. Contact us today to find out how we can help you avoid poor business outcomes.
Podcast: Wondering where all the progressive employers are?
by Nikki Smith, Transform your work life
Below is an excerpt from a blog by Nikki Smith featuring her interview with Rob Roy Rankin.
Are you in an industry that lacks flexibility?
So many organisations now boast about their culture and flexible practices, but struggle to actually support, let alone enable, their people to work flexibly.
Meet Rob who has created a strikingly different employee experience in the law.
The legal industry tops the charts with anxiety and depression. And let’s face it, lawyers don’t get much sympathy. Despite this, Rob has created a virtual workplace with a culture of adventure, innovation and fun, because, “The better experience our employee lawyers have the better our clients customer service experience will be.”
Rob only regrets that he didn’t start this firm earlier.
Do you crave to be treated like an adult by your employer and to have more time and location freedom? Listen to this interview and be inspired by a model that’s working!
Also, if you’re a lawyer and interested in talking about careers and options Rob’s happy to have a chat.
Listen to the podcast here
Australian Law Awards
FINALIST CATEGORY: Boutique Law Firm of the Year 2018
We are very proud to announce that Rankin Business Lawyers has been named a finalist in the Australian Law Awards!
The 18th annual Australian Law Awards, in partnership with UNSW Law, recognises the outstanding contribution of Australia’s top lawyers and legal firms across 33 categories. Our firm is a finalist in the ‘Boutique Law Firm’ category.
The Australian Law Awards event is the pinnacle event for the nation’s legal profession. We are incredibly proud of the hard work of our team that has brought us this far.
We would like to extend a warm thank you to the clients, partners and employees that are the real reason for the success we have found at these awards.
The last few years has been a journey for us, and our commitment to re-imagine what it means to be a law firm makes us especially proud to be recognised as Boutique Law Firm of the year!
Thanks again for reading. If you have any queries or would like to discuss any legal issues please don’t hesitate to contact me on 0422 736 206 or rob@rankinandco.com.
