Competition & Compliance
The competition and consumer legislation is widespread in its effects. There are very few transactions which do not have at least a few components triggering the application of these laws. In many cases the application of the laws is a surprise to those involved.
Restrictive Trade Practices
Restrictive trade practices include price fixing and other restrictive agreements between competitors (cartels), exclusivity agreements between buyers and sellers, resale price maintenance and certain mergers and acquisitions.
With severe implications for non-compliance (fines and even gaol terms) we can identify these issues and assist you to avoid breach or obtain immunity from prosecution by making use of various procedures available under the legislation.
Consumer protection
The rule against misleading and deceptive conduct is all-pervading. While businesses must comply with a raft of consumer protection provisions (on all of which we can advise you), this is by far the most prevalent.
Our services include, for example, reviewing proposed advertisements and promotions to ensure that they do not breach the prohibition against misleading and deceptive conduct.
In addition, we have substantial experience in prosecuting or defending claims about misleading and deceptive conduct.
Compliance
Compliance programmes are an important weapon for businesses to ensure compliance and avoid the hefty penalties that attend a breach of the law. We have prepared such programmes for many clients in many different industries and deliver training sessions to staff so that the programme can make a difference in day-to-day business activity.