Legal Insights
Timely Reminder: Franchise Agreements, Joint Venture Agreements and Bullying
SHRL Ventures Pty Ltd v Pedro-X Pty Ltd [2026] QCA 119 is a timely reminder for parties operating franchises and joint ventures that bullying can constitute a breach of the provisions of these agreements. Further, the Court found that acts of bullying and non-attendance to the affairs of the business are attributable to the company, not just the party perpetrating the behaviour.
Sec New Line Pty Ltd v Muffin Break Pty Ltd – Franchisor Obligations and their Impacts on Franchisees
The recent Supreme Court decision of Sec New Line Pty Ltd & Anor v Muffin Break Pty Ltd has provided interesting insight into franchisor obligations, specifically whether there is a requirement to inform franchisees of important facts relating to their lease agreements.
The decision focused on two main questions – whether a franchisor is required to inform a franchisee about important changes to their lease agreement, and does reinstating a property’s condition require de-fitting?