About the course
Countries with vast markets present opportunities for brands that have already reached saturation in their local market. Developing countries are also creating home-grown, exportable franchised brands.
This free online course will enable you to grow your understanding of the practice and law of international franchising and the viability of franchising internationally.
Gain an introduction to international franchise law
This course will introduce you to international franchise law and will enhance your skills in assessing the viability of franchising a business internationally. You will be introduced to the cultural and legal aspects of franchise relationships and will be led through some of the laws that have been developed, globally, to support business format franchising. In particular, we will explore aspects of franchise agreements, due diligence, franchise disclosure laws, intellectual property laws, relationship laws, dispute resolution, competition law, tax law, and the future of franchising.
Explore real-world challenges through a case study
The course uses a video-based case study approach which explores real world issues through the experience of Michelle and Brian - a Sydney couple who are thinking of expanding their boat cleaning business. Through the case study we present a real situation encountered by a business in order to draw out the issues and challenges in setting up and then expanding a franchise.
Explore the cultural and legal aspects of franchising
We will introduce you to the cultural and legal aspects of franchise relationships and will lead you through some of the laws that have developed, globally, to support business format franchising. In particular, we will explore aspects of franchise agreements, due diligence, franchise disclosure laws, intellectual property laws, relationship laws, dispute resolution, competition law, tax law, and the future of franchising.
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
- Assess the expansion-readiness of a franchised business for overseas jurisdictions
- Recognise the role of legal advisers in the business decision to expand a franchise to a new country
- Identify the key legal issues that affect franchisors expanding internationally
- Identify and research the laws relevant to franchising in international jurisdictions
- Understand the methods available to resolve franchise disputes
- Examine the potential future application of the franchise model through social franchising and micro franchising.
Associate Professor Jenny Buchan, from the School of Taxation and Business Law at UNSW Business School, is the educator for this online course. Prior to becoming an academic, Jenny worked as a commercial lawyer in New Zealand, Melbourne and Sydney and is a member of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s Small Business & Franchising Consultative Committee. Jenny specialises in consumer protection law, franchise law, empirical legal research, stakeholder participation in policy, retail leasing law and contract law.
Requirements
This course is suitable for undergraduates, postgraduates, financiers, entrepreneurs, policy makers and professional advisors.
Existing and prospective franchisors or business owners and their professional advisers from around the world who are curious about exploring the idea of internationalizing their business and who want to know more about franchising are welcome. Potential research collaborators are always welcome.
Even if you’re just curious about franchising, you are welcome too.
Enquiries
To enrol in the course, visit the
International Franchise Law course page via Futurelearn
This course cannot be used as credit towards any other UNSW program.