• University of New South Wales

International Franchise Law: the World is Yours

Grow your understanding of the practice and law of international franchising and the viability of franchising internationally.

5,922 enrolled on this course

Compass in blue water
  • Duration

    6 weeks
  • Weekly study

    3 hours

We each have a daily connection with franchising. At the international level, franchising is a practical and exciting aspect of global commerce. Countries with vast markets and growing middle classes present opportunities for brands that have reached saturation in their original market. Developing countries too are now creating home-grown, exportable franchised brands.

Gain an introduction to international franchise law

This free online course will introduce you to international franchise law and will enhance your skills in assessing the viability of franchising a business internationally. Since World War 2 business format franchising has grown exponentially and is now entrenched as a trusted business model. But, what many would believe to be a simple business arrangement is anything but that.

This introductory course looks at the law behind questions such as:

  • How do franchisors keep their brand image consistent across all countries?
  • What due diligence do franchisors need to conduct?
  • How do franchisors conduct legal due diligence?
  • How are international franchising disputes resolved?
  • What’s the future of business format franchising?
Explore real-world challenges through a video-based case study approach

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 dreaming 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.

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.
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Skip to 0 minutes and 3 seconds UNSW Australia. Business format franchising is more important than ever. For a successful local business, it opens up unique expansion opportunities overseas. And for foreign partners, it provides opportunities to confidently leverage from that successful business. But, as you’ll find out in this course, franchising isn’t just about making money. These days, it plays an increasing role in social ventures. I’m Jenny Buchan, and I welcome you to one of Australia’s leading business schools here, at UNSW Australia. This course is suitable for anyone who would like to know more about franchising. You’ll explore the laws governing international franchising through a fictional case study about Michelle and Brian, a Sydney couple dreaming of expanding their boat cleaning business.

Skip to 0 minutes and 55 seconds In each module, we’ll explore the legal issues that Michelle and Brian navigate as they plan for global expansion. What do they need to know about the law and culture of the target jurisdictions? Each module includes content videos that delve into the legal issues raised by Michelle and Brian’s story, while interviews with international franchise lawyers dig deeper. Join us as we unpack the fascinating world of international franchise law.

What topics will you cover?

  • Week 1: Introduction and cultural dimension of international franchising, comparison of business expansion models and cultural due diligence
  • Week 2: Brand due diligence and domestic franchise arrangements, obligations and responsibilities in the franchise agreement
  • Week 3: Franchising law and business structures
  • Week 4: Property – intellectual, real and personal
  • Week 5: Dispute resolution
  • Week 6: Exit strategies, franchisor failure and the future of franchising

Learning on this course

On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you‘ll 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.

Who is the course for?

This course is suitable for undergraduates, postgraduates, financiers and entrepreneurs.

Existing and prospective franchisors or business owners and their professional advisers from around the world who are either serious or 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.

If this doesn’t describe you, don’t worry – even if you’re just curious about franchising, you are welcome too.

Who will you learn with?

I'm a franchise law researcher and teacher at UNSW. Formerly I worked as a commercial lawyer in private practice in New Zealand and Australia. I love research, powder skiing, and adventure travel.

I am currently studying law at UNSW and was recently awarded a Bachelor of Commerce from UNSW. As part of my studies I have undertaken extensive research in domestic and international franchise law.

Leela works at the UNSW Business School in the Education Portfolio. She has a background as a competition law academic and practising lawyer. Her interests include ballet and everything about France!

Who developed the course?

UNSW Sydney

Established in 1949 with a unique focus on the scientific, technological and professional disciplines, UNSW is a leading Australian university committed to making a difference

Learning on FutureLearn

Your learning, your rules

  • Courses are split into weeks, activities, and steps to help you keep track of your learning
  • Learn through a mix of bite-sized videos, long- and short-form articles, audio, and practical activities
  • Stay motivated by using the Progress page to keep track of your step completion and assessment scores

Join a global classroom

  • Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
  • Share ideas with your peers and course educators on every step of the course
  • Join the conversation by reading, @ing, liking, bookmarking, and replying to comments from others

Map your progress

  • As you work through the course, use notifications and the Progress page to guide your learning
  • Whenever you’re ready, mark each step as complete, you’re in control
  • Complete 90% of course steps and all of the assessments to earn your certificate

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