Three Services, One Area of Law
Franchise registration, agreement drafting, and IP commercialization — each handled with the depth that comes from working in this field, not across it.
Back to HomeHow We Approach Each Engagement
Every matter begins with a structured conversation about the client's commercial objective — not a template. The legal work that follows is built around that objective, not around a standard file structure.
Intake & Scope
Understand the commercial objective; confirm scope and fee estimate in writing.
Review & Preparation
Analyse existing documents, identify compliance gaps, prepare draft materials.
Review & Revision
Client reviews drafts; the team addresses questions and refines documents.
Filing & Close
Final documents submitted, registered, or executed — with follow-up as needed.
Franchise Registration & Disclosure
A structured service for franchisors seeking to register their franchise system with the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs under the Franchise Act 1998. Covers franchise disclosure document preparation, operations manual legal review, franchise fee structuring advisory, and registration application submission.
The team ensures all mandatory disclosure requirements are met — including franchisor background, financial projections, and litigation history. Also addresses the distinction between domestic and international franchise registration requirements, and assists foreign franchisors entering the Malaysian market with local compliance arrangements.
What Is Covered
- Franchise disclosure document preparation per MDTCA requirements
- Operations manual legal review and compliance check
- Franchise fee structuring and advisory
- Registration application preparation and submission
- Post-submission follow-up with the Ministry
- International franchisor local compliance arrangements
Process Steps
Document Audit — Review existing franchise materials for completeness and compliance gaps.
Disclosure Preparation — Draft the franchise disclosure document to statutory requirements.
Manual Review — Legal review of operations manual for regulatory alignment.
Application Submission — File completed application with MDTCA, manage correspondence.
Who This Service Suits
- Malaysian franchisors preparing to offer their system to franchisees for the first time
- Foreign franchisors entering the Malaysian market requiring MDTCA registration
- Existing franchisors with outdated or incomplete disclosure documentation
- Businesses assessing whether their model qualifies as a franchise under the Act
Who This Service Suits
- Franchisors drafting a franchise agreement for the first time
- Franchisors reviewing and updating existing agreements for current compliance
- Franchisees reviewing a proposed agreement before signing
- Franchisors developing master franchise or area development structures
Franchise Agreement Drafting & Review
A careful drafting and review service for the core agreement governing the franchisor-franchisee relationship. Covers territory definition, operational standards clauses, intellectual property usage terms, supply chain obligations, renewal and termination conditions, and dispute resolution mechanisms.
The team balances the franchisor's need for brand consistency with the franchisee's operational flexibility. Also addresses master franchise and area development agreements for multi-unit expansion. Each agreement is reviewed against mandatory terms under the Franchise Act 1998 to confirm enforceability.
What Is Covered
- Territory definition with geographic and category specificity
- Operational standards clauses and brand protection terms
- IP usage rights, restrictions, and quality control provisions
- Renewal, extension, and right-of-first-refusal structuring
- Termination conditions and post-termination obligations
- Master franchise and area development agreement formats
Process Steps
System Review — Understand the franchise model, geography, and commercial priorities.
First Draft — Prepare full agreement with all mandatory and commercial clauses.
Client Review — Walk through drafts with client; explain clause function and options.
Final Agreement — Incorporate revisions; final document ready for execution.
Licensing Agreement & IP Commercialization
A comprehensive service for businesses commercializing intellectual property through licensing arrangements. Covers trademark licensing, technology licensing, manufacturing licensing, and content licensing agreements. The team structures agreements with attention to quality control mechanisms, royalty calculation frameworks, performance milestones, audit rights, and sublicensing permissions.
Also addresses competition law implications under the Competition Act 2010, particularly for arrangements that may involve territorial restrictions or exclusive dealing. Suitable for IP owners expanding their reach and licensees seeking well-defined usage rights.
What Is Covered
- Trademark, technology, manufacturing, and content licensing agreements
- Royalty calculation frameworks and payment mechanisms
- Quality control provisions and audit rights
- Performance milestones and minimum commitment terms
- Sublicensing permissions and territorial restrictions
- Competition Act 2010 compliance review for licensing arrangements
Process Steps
IP & Commercial Assessment — Identify IP to be licensed; understand commercialization goals.
Structure Design — Determine exclusivity, territory, royalty structure, and term.
Agreement Drafting — Prepare licensing agreement with all commercial and protection terms.
Competition Law Review — Check arrangement against Competition Act 2010 requirements.
Who This Service Suits
- IP owners seeking to license trademarks, technology, or content to third parties
- Businesses entering licensing arrangements and reviewing proposed terms
- Manufacturers seeking licensed production rights from foreign IP owners
- Companies assessing competition law exposure in existing licensing arrangements
Which Service Do You Need?
These three services often overlap in complex engagements — but this guide helps identify the right starting point.
| Your Situation | Registration & Disclosure | Agreement Drafting | IP Licensing |
|---|---|---|---|
| I want to offer franchises and need to register first | ✓ Start here | — | — |
| I need a franchise agreement drafted or reviewed | — | ✓ Start here | — |
| I want to license my trademark or technology | — | — | ✓ Start here |
| I am a foreign franchisor entering Malaysia | ✓ | ✓ | — |
| I need to check if my licensing deal raises competition issues | — | — | ✓ |
| I want to develop a master franchise structure | ✓ | ✓ | — |
Not sure which applies? Contact the firm to discuss — there is no obligation beyond the initial conversation.
What Applies Across All Three Services
Two-Stage Document Review
Every document is reviewed at associate and senior level before delivery.
Written Fee Estimate First
Scope and fees are agreed in writing before any billable work begins.
PDPA Compliance
Client information handled under PDPA 2010 and Bar professional secrecy rules.
Current Legislative Advice
Advice reflects current statute, tracked through regular legislative monitoring.
Ready to Discuss Your Matter?
Whether your need is straightforward or involves several overlapping legal considerations, the firm will provide a clear picture of what is involved before any engagement begins.
Contact the Firm