Therapeutic Goods Regulatory Reforms target false and misleading industry practices – August 2009

The Federal Government is currently implementing a three-stage reform program to update the therapeutic goods regulatory framework in Australia. This legal update provides an overview of the amendments to the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989 and how they will have significant consequences for the pharmaceutical industry, particularly in relation to penalties for providing false or misleading… Read More

Read more

Commercial Franchising in China – May 2009

China remains an increasingly important market for Australian companies considering international business expansion, whether through franchising, licencing, setting up foreign investment enterprises or other business structures. Amongst these market entry options, franchising enables rapid market expansion and penetrates using a combination of intellectual property of the franchisor and the capital and enthusiasm of a network… Read More

Read more

Protecting Your Business Interests – Update December 2008

Confidentiality agreements and restraint of trade clauses are commonly used to prevent former employees or franchisees from engaging in activities that compete with business, including franchises. Recent decisions have indicated that inadequate confidentiality agreements and unreasonable restraint of trade clauses in employment contracts or franchise agreements, may fail to adequately protect legitimate business interests. In… Read More

Read more

Recent Developments in Trade Practices – January 2008

Recent high profile cases initiated by the ACCC have demonstrated the importance and value of businesses maintaining an effective trade practices compliance program. The promotion of a culture of compliance within the business is also essential for reducing the damage of a potential trade practices breach. In this update Stephens Lawyers & Consultants provides an… Read More

Read more

Recent Developments in Trade Practices – March 2007

Business need to be aware of recent developments in trade practices law as failure to implement adequate compliance programs exposes companies, directors, employees and others involved in the contravention to significant penalties of up to $10 million for a company and $500,000 for individuals. In this update Stephens Lawyers & Consultants provides an overview of… Read More

Read more