Over the past thirty years I have worked with hundreds of lawyers. Some have been exceptional. Some have been average. A few have been disastrous. I have engaged lawyers for commercial disputes, business acquisitions, governance matters, intellectual property protection, franchising, employment issues, property transactions and strategic negotiations. I have hired lawyers. I have fired lawyers. I have challenged invoices. I have replaced entire legal teams. I have sat on both

Australian businesses promoting finance offers should take note of a recent Federal Court decision that resulted in Harvey Norman and Latitude being ordered to pay a combined $55 million in penalties for misleading advertising. The case serves as a timely reminder that businesses offering credit, interest-free finance or payment plans must ensure their advertising accurately communicates the full terms of those offers. Failure to do so can expose businesses to significant fin

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has issued a timely reminder to franchisors across Australia: Your Franchise Disclosure Register profile must be accurate, complete, and up to date, or you risk enforcement action. Franchise Disclosure Register compliance warning as the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) increases enforcement under the Franchising Code of Conduct in Australia. This latest communication reinforces a growing regulato

From 1 January 2026, new cash acceptance obligations are reshaping how certain retailers operate across Australia. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has released formal guidance on two new industry codes that mandate when and how cash must be accepted. While the reform is targeted, the implications are broader than many businesses expect, particularly for branded networks, franchise systems, and multi-site operators. Retail signage showing cash accepta

When AI designs for you, who owns the final product - you, or the machine? Who Owns the Design? Navigating AI Copyright and IP Risks in Business Artificial intelligence is transforming how Australian businesses design, build, and brand themselves. From instantly generating logos to producing sophisticated product renders, AI tools make design faster, cheaper, and more accessible than ever before. But behind the convenience lies a growing concern few businesses consider un