Restraints of Trade in Franchising
Recent cases enforce restraints of trade against former franchiseesTwo recent interim injunctions have shown the Court’s ability and willingness to enforce restraints of trade against former franchisees, at least on a temporary basis. In both cases the Courts have acted to protect the franchisor’s goodwill and upheld restraint of trade terms on an interim basis, until questions about the validity of the restraints can be resolved. Set out below is a snapshot of these recent cases and the legal issues surrounding restraints of trade in franchising. Restraints of trade – an overviewMost franchise agreements contain a restraint of trade clause. These are restraints on the franchisee and its owner from competing against the franchise system. The restraints apply during the franchise and for a period after the franchise comes to an end. Restraints of trade are used to protect the franchise system's business, intellectual property and goodwill. A typical restraint of trade covers a specified business, time period and geographical area. Restraints are not enforceable unless they are reasonable. To enforce the restraint, the franchisor must show that it has a “protectable interest” and the restraint must be no wider than is necessary to protect that interest. If a restraint goes further it may not be enforceable. Franchisor perspective on restraints of trade
Former Mike Pero Mortgages broker barred in interim injunctionJames Heath was a mortgage broker with Mike Pero Mortgages for 15 years. The Mike Pero Mortgages franchise agreement (with Mr Heath’s company) contained a restraint of trade provision for 6 months for all of New Zealand and 2 years for the Canterbury region. In March Mr Heath signalled that his company would not renew its franchise. According to the court documents Mr Heath was fully aware of the restraint of trade constraints in the franchise agreement. Mr Heath and his associate Gina Smith took steps to set up a competing mortgage brokerage, James Heath Mortgages. The business plan in Ms Smith’s mortgage broker accreditation application stated Mr Heath was: “Very well known in the industry and a large amount of clients from previous franchise will possibly transfer over”. Former Video Ezy franchisees forced to rejoin franchiseDunedin franchisee Red Bond Limited (RBL) was forced to rejoin the Video Ezy franchise after rebranding its three video rental stores earlier this year. The franchise agreement between RBL and VENZ included a two year non-compete restraint of trade. However, after the end of the 7 year franchise agreement between Video Ezy New Zealand (VENZ) and RBL, RBL ceased being a Video Ezy franchisee and rebranded its stores to a competing (unnamed) video chain. What do these Court decisions mean for franchisors?The decisions demonstrate the Courts’ willingness to enforce by way of an interim injunction appropriate restraint of trade provisions against former franchisees, even when there will be significant personal and/or business costs involved for the former franchisee and its owners. An interim injunction can be a useful tool for a franchisor to enforce a restraint of trade and provide the franchisor with time to install a new franchisee. The cost of bringing, and risk of losing, the later substantive Court hearing may dissuade some former franchisees from proceeding with their plans to establish a competing business. “We have no doubt that in New Zealand a franchisor may, depending on the circumstances of the case, have an interest in a franchise that is properly protected by a restraint of trade provision.” Some examples of factors that demonstrate a “protectable interest”The Court of Appeal in the SKIDS decision discussed a number of factors that demonstrate a “protectable interest”. These included:
The information contained in this publication is of a general nature and is not intended as legal advice. It is important that you seek legal advice that is specific to your circumstances. All rights reserved © Jackson Russell 2015 |
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