Corporate & Commercial 6 April 2018 The power of the Appointor: Choosing convenience over risk

In a family trust, the role of the Appointor is to ensure that the Trustee exercises their powers and duties in the best interests...

Conveyancing 6 April 2018 Land Tax in Victoria

Owning property in Victoria may incur land tax. Generally if a property is classified as an individual’s principle place of residence than the property...

Conveyancing 29 March 2018 Stamp Duty in Victoria

What is stamp duty? Stamp duty is a transfer duty imposed by the State Revenue Office when you purchase or acquire a property in...

Corporate & Commercial 23 March 2018 The colour of beer

In a decidedly marketing stroke of genius, a Brewery has filed a trade mark application for the colour of beer.  Specifically, Pantone 142, or...

Wills, Estates & Succession Planning 15 March 2018 Planning for your future medical treatment

On 12 March 2018, the new Medical Treatment Planning and Decisions Act 2016 came into force. The legislation is designed to provide us with...

Corporate & Commercial 26 February 2018 Franchisor marketing funds

Whilst Franchisors may require Franchisees to pay marketing or advertising fees pursuant to their Franchise Agreement, Franchisors must comply with strict obligations when collecting...

Corporate & Commercial 23 February 2018 Recent developments regarding the application of the Retail Leases Act

A dispute between a landlord and tenant has recently found its way to the High Court of Australia, where special leave to appeal the...

Corporate & Commercial 16 February 2018 Protecting your brand through trade mark registration

We are living in a world where you cannot look in any direction without seeing someone’s brand. Maybe this is the year to think...

Corporate & Commercial 16 February 2018 Analysis of sale agreements: Warranties and indemnities

Warranties and indemnities are important provisions in many sale agreements. They are utilised in order to support the underlying transaction. Such provisions can be...

Corporate & Commercial 12 February 2018 Avoiding challenges to rental determinations by providing detailed reasons

Specialist retail valuers play a key role in market rent reviews pursuant to retail premises leases. Where the parties are unable to agree on...

Corporate & Commercial 7 February 2018 Federal Court orders penalties for breaches of disclosure obligations under Franchising Code Of Conduct

The recent Federal Court decision which ordered a Franchisor to pay penalties of $100,000.00 for breaching their obligations under the Franchising Code of Conduct...

Family Law 8 January 2018 Do I have to give them half?

There is common misconception that once you enter into a de facto relationship or a marriage that your partner is automatically entitled to half...