licensing & franchising in malaysia lee swee seng llb, llm, mba advocate & solicitor notary...

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LICENSING & FRANCHISING LICENSING & FRANCHISING IN MALAYSIA IN MALAYSIA LEE SWEE SENG LLB, LLM, MBA Advocate & Solicitor Notary Public, Trademark, Patent Agent Certified Mediator [email protected] www.leesweeseng.com

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Page 1: LICENSING & FRANCHISING IN MALAYSIA LEE SWEE SENG LLB, LLM, MBA Advocate & Solicitor Notary Public, Trademark, Patent Agent Certified Mediator sweeseng@tm.net.my

LICENSING & FRANCHISING LICENSING & FRANCHISING IN MALAYSIA IN MALAYSIA

LEE SWEE SENG

LLB, LLM, MBA

Advocate & SolicitorNotary Public, Trademark, Patent Agent

Certified Mediator

[email protected]

www.leesweeseng.com

Page 2: LICENSING & FRANCHISING IN MALAYSIA LEE SWEE SENG LLB, LLM, MBA Advocate & Solicitor Notary Public, Trademark, Patent Agent Certified Mediator sweeseng@tm.net.my

Topic Topic

Licensing Licensor / A Licensee Licensing Process ChartLicense AgreementTypes of License AgreementCommon Terms and Conditions in Licensing

Agreement Licensing Fees & Payment TermsContract Duration, Renewal and TerminationThe Benefits of Licensing for LicensorThe Benefits of Licensing for Licensing Intellectual Property License Agreement

Page 3: LICENSING & FRANCHISING IN MALAYSIA LEE SWEE SENG LLB, LLM, MBA Advocate & Solicitor Notary Public, Trademark, Patent Agent Certified Mediator sweeseng@tm.net.my

Topic Topic FranchiseFranchisor / A Franchisee Franchise AgreementRequirement of A Franchise Agreement under Section

18 of Franchise Act 1998 (Act 590) & Regulation Payment of Franchise Fee, etc. Section 22 – Promotion FundSection 23 – Promotion Fees, etc. Section 24 – Registration of Trade Mark or Service

Mark Section 25 - Franchise Term Section 26 – Confidential InformationSection 27 – Prohibition Against Similar Business

Page 4: LICENSING & FRANCHISING IN MALAYSIA LEE SWEE SENG LLB, LLM, MBA Advocate & Solicitor Notary Public, Trademark, Patent Agent Certified Mediator sweeseng@tm.net.my

TopicTopic

Section 28 – Waivers Void Section 29 – Conduct of Parties Section 30 – Obligations of Franchisor & FranchiseeSection 31 - Termination of A Franchise Agreement Section 32 – Non Renewal of A Franchise Agreement Section 33 – Earlier Termination of A Franchise Term Section 34 - Extension of A Franchise TermStatistic of Approved Franchise RegistrationSome of the Franchise Categories Approved by the

Registrar of Franchise Comparison between Licensing and Franchising

Page 5: LICENSING & FRANCHISING IN MALAYSIA LEE SWEE SENG LLB, LLM, MBA Advocate & Solicitor Notary Public, Trademark, Patent Agent Certified Mediator sweeseng@tm.net.my

LICENSING IN MALAYSIA

Page 6: LICENSING & FRANCHISING IN MALAYSIA LEE SWEE SENG LLB, LLM, MBA Advocate & Solicitor Notary Public, Trademark, Patent Agent Certified Mediator sweeseng@tm.net.my

Licensing Licensing

Licensing is the practice of leasing a legally protected

property (such as a trademarked or copyrighted name,

logo, likeness, character, phrase or design) to another

party in conjunction with a product, service or promotion.

It is based on a contractual agreement between the

owner of the property (or its agent) known as the

licensor and licensee (normally a manufacturer or

retailer).

Sources: www.licensingpages.com

Page 7: LICENSING & FRANCHISING IN MALAYSIA LEE SWEE SENG LLB, LLM, MBA Advocate & Solicitor Notary Public, Trademark, Patent Agent Certified Mediator sweeseng@tm.net.my

Licensing Licensing

It grants the licensee permission to use the property subject to specific terms and conditions which may include the purpose of use, a defined territory and a defined time period.

In exchange for this usage, the licensor receives financial remuneration – normally in the form of a guaranteed fee and/or royalty on a percentage of sales.

Sources: www.licensingpages.com

Page 8: LICENSING & FRANCHISING IN MALAYSIA LEE SWEE SENG LLB, LLM, MBA Advocate & Solicitor Notary Public, Trademark, Patent Agent Certified Mediator sweeseng@tm.net.my

Licensing Licensing

The verb license or grant license means to give permission. The noun license (licence in British spelling) refers to that permission as well as to the document memorializing that permission. License may be granted by a party ("licensor") to another party ("licensee") as an element of an agreement between those parties.

A shorthand definition of a license is "an authorisation (by the licensor) to use the licensed material (by the licensee)."

Sources: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/License

Page 9: LICENSING & FRANCHISING IN MALAYSIA LEE SWEE SENG LLB, LLM, MBA Advocate & Solicitor Notary Public, Trademark, Patent Agent Certified Mediator sweeseng@tm.net.my

LicensorLicensor

The owner of the Licensed property or brand.

e.g Bugs Bunny is owned by Warner Bros, so Warner Bros is the Licensor of Bugs

Bunny.

Licensee

The manufacturer or distributor of a product or service that has purchased use of a license to sell products to retailers. Major retailers can also be licensees as they often sign license agreements directly with licensors

Sources: www.licensingpages.com

Page 10: LICENSING & FRANCHISING IN MALAYSIA LEE SWEE SENG LLB, LLM, MBA Advocate & Solicitor Notary Public, Trademark, Patent Agent Certified Mediator sweeseng@tm.net.my

Licensing Process ChartLicensing Process Chart

Sources: www.licensingpages.com

Page 11: LICENSING & FRANCHISING IN MALAYSIA LEE SWEE SENG LLB, LLM, MBA Advocate & Solicitor Notary Public, Trademark, Patent Agent Certified Mediator sweeseng@tm.net.my

A License AgreementA License Agreement

Ensuring that the intention of the parties (Licensor and Licensee) arrangement is properly documented is vital to protecting the parties’ position in the event of a dispute in the future.

Remember the faintest ink is better than the most retentive memory.

Documentary evidence in less susceptible to being challenged in a court of law.

Sources: www.licensingpages.com

Page 12: LICENSING & FRANCHISING IN MALAYSIA LEE SWEE SENG LLB, LLM, MBA Advocate & Solicitor Notary Public, Trademark, Patent Agent Certified Mediator sweeseng@tm.net.my

Types of Licensing Agreement Types of Licensing Agreement

1. Sole License

“The Licensor grants the Licensee a sole license of the Rights for the Territory for the duration of this Agreement. The Licensor shall not, subject as provided below appoint other licensees for the Territory, but may itself manufacture and sell the Products in the Territory.

or

“A Sole License means that you as trade mark owner and the licensee (but no one else) may use the trade marks”.

Sources: http//pharmalicensing.com/public/articles_Susan Singleton

Page 13: LICENSING & FRANCHISING IN MALAYSIA LEE SWEE SENG LLB, LLM, MBA Advocate & Solicitor Notary Public, Trademark, Patent Agent Certified Mediator sweeseng@tm.net.my

Types of Licensing AgreementTypes of Licensing Agreement

2. Exclusive License

”.“The Licensor grants the Licensee an exclusive license of the Rights for the Territory for the duration of this Agreement. The Licensor shall not, subject as provided below, actively sell the Products on the Territory nor appoint other licensees for the Territory”.

or

“An Exclusive License means that only the licensee may use the trade marks”.

Sources: http//pharmalicensing.com/public/articles_Susan Singleton

Page 14: LICENSING & FRANCHISING IN MALAYSIA LEE SWEE SENG LLB, LLM, MBA Advocate & Solicitor Notary Public, Trademark, Patent Agent Certified Mediator sweeseng@tm.net.my

Exclusive License

The Copyright, Design and Patent Act 1998 UK defines it as a license in writing signed by or on behalf of the owner of the right authorising the licensee to the exclusion of all other persons, including the person granting the license, to exercise a right which would otherwise be execisable exclusively by the owner of the right.

Page 15: LICENSING & FRANCHISING IN MALAYSIA LEE SWEE SENG LLB, LLM, MBA Advocate & Solicitor Notary Public, Trademark, Patent Agent Certified Mediator sweeseng@tm.net.my

Types of Licensing AgreementTypes of Licensing Agreement

3. Non-Exclusive License

“The Licensor grants the Licensee a non-exclusive license of the Rights for the Territory for the duration of This Agreement. The Licensor shall be free to manufacturer and sell the Products in the Territory and appoint other licensees to do so”.

or

“A Non-Exclusive License means that you as a trade mark owner may also use the trade marks and may grant the right to use the trade marks to as many others as you wish”.

Sources: http//pharmalicensing.com/public/articles_Susan Singleton

Page 16: LICENSING & FRANCHISING IN MALAYSIA LEE SWEE SENG LLB, LLM, MBA Advocate & Solicitor Notary Public, Trademark, Patent Agent Certified Mediator sweeseng@tm.net.my

Common Terms and Conditions in Licensing Common Terms and Conditions in Licensing AgreementAgreement

Below are some of the important issues that should be considered when preparing a licensing agreement.

1. Consider relevant requirements of each party as follows:-

1.1 whether agreement comes into force on the date of agreement or specified start date;

1.2 duration of license and any renewal terms;1.3 whether renewal is automatic or optional; 1.4 whether agreement is terminable by

either or both parties and on what ground;

Sources: Tolley’s Commercial Contract Checklist _Lexis Nexis

Page 17: LICENSING & FRANCHISING IN MALAYSIA LEE SWEE SENG LLB, LLM, MBA Advocate & Solicitor Notary Public, Trademark, Patent Agent Certified Mediator sweeseng@tm.net.my

Common Terms and Conditions in Licensing Common Terms and Conditions in Licensing AgreementAgreement

1.5 whether duration of license is simply linked to performance or payment of license fees;

1.6 whether approval is required in respect of specification and any relevant provisions;

1.7 what documentation and in what forms it is to be provided i.e., disk, paper, web, email.

1.8 testing and acceptance arrangements (if applicable);

Sources: Tolley’s Commercial Contract Checklist _Lexis Nexis

Page 18: LICENSING & FRANCHISING IN MALAYSIA LEE SWEE SENG LLB, LLM, MBA Advocate & Solicitor Notary Public, Trademark, Patent Agent Certified Mediator sweeseng@tm.net.my

Common Terms and Conditions in Licensing Common Terms and Conditions in Licensing AgreementAgreement

2. What types of license is required?

Will it be a Sole license, an Exclusive license or Non-exclusive license or Sole and Exclusive.

3. Review the relevant territory.

“Territorial limitations are extremely common, particularly in the area of trade-mark licenses where different distribution partners may be granted exclusivity for their regions. The territory may be as broad as “world-wide”, limited to a particular province or region, or even as restricted as a plant location .

Sources: 1) Tolley’s Commercial Contract Checklist _Lexis Nexis

2) Key Aspects of IP License Agreement, Donald M. Cameron & Rowena Borenstein © 2003

Page 19: LICENSING & FRANCHISING IN MALAYSIA LEE SWEE SENG LLB, LLM, MBA Advocate & Solicitor Notary Public, Trademark, Patent Agent Certified Mediator sweeseng@tm.net.my

Common Terms and Conditions in Licensing Common Terms and Conditions in Licensing AgreementAgreement

4. Licensing Fees and Payments5. Termination6. Consequences of Termination 7. Service of Notice Clause8. Confidentiality Clause9. Applicable Law Clause10. Mediation and Arbitration Clause

Sources: Tolley’s Commercial Contract Checklist _Lexis Nexis

Page 20: LICENSING & FRANCHISING IN MALAYSIA LEE SWEE SENG LLB, LLM, MBA Advocate & Solicitor Notary Public, Trademark, Patent Agent Certified Mediator sweeseng@tm.net.my

Licensing Fees & Payment Terms Licensing Fees & Payment Terms

License fees and payment terms consider or specify

1. License fee payable. 2. License fee payment date (s):-

2.1 monthly2.2 quarterly on quarter dates2.3 annually2.4 30 days after specified period 2.5 any deposit or initial payments or fees

due upon singing license2.6 any time based charged

Sources: Tolley’s Commercial Contract Checklist _Lexis Nexis

Page 21: LICENSING & FRANCHISING IN MALAYSIA LEE SWEE SENG LLB, LLM, MBA Advocate & Solicitor Notary Public, Trademark, Patent Agent Certified Mediator sweeseng@tm.net.my

Licensing Fees & Payment Terms Licensing Fees & Payment Terms

2.7 any additional costs/material charges2.8 whether any fixed cost are applicable

(including staff, material and travel expenses)

2.9 whether fee and sums are inclusive or exclusive of taxation; payments;

2.10 whether renewal fees are payable and if so when and at what rate

Sources: Tolley’s Commercial Contract Checklist _Lexis Nexis

Page 22: LICENSING & FRANCHISING IN MALAYSIA LEE SWEE SENG LLB, LLM, MBA Advocate & Solicitor Notary Public, Trademark, Patent Agent Certified Mediator sweeseng@tm.net.my

Contract Duration, Renewal and Termination Contract Duration, Renewal and Termination

1. Term and Expiration

 

The license agreement should specify the following:-

1.1 Date of commencement

1.2 The period of time during which the parties‘ obligations are in force

1.3 An expiration date, unless it is intended to be a perpetual agreement

Sources: Key Aspects of IP License Agreement handout by Donald M Cameron Rowena Borenstein_Ogilvy Renault

Page 23: LICENSING & FRANCHISING IN MALAYSIA LEE SWEE SENG LLB, LLM, MBA Advocate & Solicitor Notary Public, Trademark, Patent Agent Certified Mediator sweeseng@tm.net.my

Contract Duration, Renewal and TerminationContract Duration, Renewal and Termination

2. Renewal

2.1 The agreement may also provide for a right of renewal;

2.2 A renewal provision it is always open to the parties to negotiate;

2.3 If the renewal is not automatic, the licensee will be required to provide the licensor with notice of its intent to renew within a set

period of time before expiry;   2.4 If the renewal is automatic, the notice will

only be required if a party does not wish to have the agreement term be extended.

Sources: Key Aspects of IP License Agreement handout by Donald M Cameron Rowena Borenstein_Ogilvy Renault

Page 24: LICENSING & FRANCHISING IN MALAYSIA LEE SWEE SENG LLB, LLM, MBA Advocate & Solicitor Notary Public, Trademark, Patent Agent Certified Mediator sweeseng@tm.net.my

Contract Duration, Renewal and TerminationContract Duration, Renewal and Termination3. Right to Terminate There are two basic types of termination rights 3.1. Termination for convenience  3.1.1 A party with a right to terminate the agreement for

convenience may usually do so at any time, provided that adequate notice is given to the other party.

3.1.2 Licensee typically do not want the licensor to be able to terminate the Agreement for convenience, as they have a great deal of money invested in a business plan related to exploitation of Intellectual Property, including unrecoverable costs.  

Sources: Key Aspects of IP License Agreement handout by Donald M Cameron Rowena Borenstein_Ogilvy Renault

Page 25: LICENSING & FRANCHISING IN MALAYSIA LEE SWEE SENG LLB, LLM, MBA Advocate & Solicitor Notary Public, Trademark, Patent Agent Certified Mediator sweeseng@tm.net.my

Contract Duration, Renewal and TerminationContract Duration, Renewal and Termination

3.2 Termination for cause

 

3.2.1 Termination for cause can encompass any number of events.

3.2.2 The most common triggering events allowing a party to terminate for cause including the material of breach by other party of terms of the

Agreement, or the failure of the other party to conduct business ordinary course.  

Sources: Key Aspects of IP License Agreement handout by Donald M Cameron Rowena Borenstein_Ogilvy Renault

Page 26: LICENSING & FRANCHISING IN MALAYSIA LEE SWEE SENG LLB, LLM, MBA Advocate & Solicitor Notary Public, Trademark, Patent Agent Certified Mediator sweeseng@tm.net.my

Contract Duration, Renewal and TerminationContract Duration, Renewal and Termination

3.2.3 Licensee have the right to terminate the Agreement if the licensed intellectual

property is determined to be invalid.

 

3.2.4. The Licensee may also wish to be able terminate the Agreement if it is sued by a third party for infringement, particularly if it does not have a resource of indemnity from the licensor.

Sources: Key Aspects of IP License Agreement handout by Donald M Cameron Rowena Borenstein_Ogilvy Renault

Page 27: LICENSING & FRANCHISING IN MALAYSIA LEE SWEE SENG LLB, LLM, MBA Advocate & Solicitor Notary Public, Trademark, Patent Agent Certified Mediator sweeseng@tm.net.my

Contract Duration, Renewal and TerminationContract Duration, Renewal and Termination

4. Effects of Termination

 

4.1 A-well drafted license agreement should provide for the consequences of termination on the rights and obligations of each of the parties, to avoid additional disputes at a time when the parties

may already be on less than good terms.

4.2 The licensee's most pressing business concern will be the ability to wind down and exhaust

any existing inventories.

Sources: Key Aspects of IP License Agreement handout by Donald M Cameron Rowena Borenstein_Ogilvy Renault

Page 28: LICENSING & FRANCHISING IN MALAYSIA LEE SWEE SENG LLB, LLM, MBA Advocate & Solicitor Notary Public, Trademark, Patent Agent Certified Mediator sweeseng@tm.net.my

Contract Duration, Renewal and TerminationContract Duration, Renewal and Termination

4.3 The licensor's perspective, its most pressing concern is that the licensee discontinue all exploitation of Intellectual Property as soon as possible. It may opt to reverse the right to purchase any of the licensee‘s existing stock, at cost of the licensee is amenable, rather than extend the license grant

4.4 The licensor may also require that the licensee return any and all materials that contain or reflect licensed know-how. This provision may operate in tandem with the provision requiring the return or destruction of all confidential information.

Sources: Key Aspects of IP License Agreement handout by Donald M Cameron Rowena Borenstein_Ogilvy Renault

Page 29: LICENSING & FRANCHISING IN MALAYSIA LEE SWEE SENG LLB, LLM, MBA Advocate & Solicitor Notary Public, Trademark, Patent Agent Certified Mediator sweeseng@tm.net.my

The Benefits of Licensing for Licensor The Benefits of Licensing for Licensor

The key benefit for a licensor is the ability to exploit and enhance its brand or property

1. Increasing its brand presence at retail or distribution outlet. 2. Creating further brand awareness to support its

core products or services.3. Supporting and enhancing its core values by associations with the licensed products.4. Entering new markets (consumer or geographical) which were unfeasible with it’s own resources or capabilities.5. Generating new revenue streams, often with little

involvement or additional financial or other resources implication.

Sources: www.licensingpages.com

Page 30: LICENSING & FRANCHISING IN MALAYSIA LEE SWEE SENG LLB, LLM, MBA Advocate & Solicitor Notary Public, Trademark, Patent Agent Certified Mediator sweeseng@tm.net.my

The Benefits of Licensing for Licensees The Benefits of Licensing for Licensees

The key benefit for a licensee (especially manufacturer or retailer) is the ability to significantly increase consumer interest in and sales of its products or services. Licensing can be applied as follows:-

1. Transferring the values and consumer favour towards the property to the licensed product or service.

2. Providing added value and differentiation from competitive offerings.

3. Providing additional marketing support or momentum from the core property’s activity provided by the licensor.

Sources: www.licensingpages.com

Page 31: LICENSING & FRANCHISING IN MALAYSIA LEE SWEE SENG LLB, LLM, MBA Advocate & Solicitor Notary Public, Trademark, Patent Agent Certified Mediator sweeseng@tm.net.my

The Benefits of Licensing for Licensees The Benefits of Licensing for Licensees

4. Appealing to new target markets who have not historically been interested in a licensee’s product or service.

5. Giving credibility for moving into new market sectors through product extension.

6. Gaining additional retail space and favour.

Sources: www.licensingpages.com

Page 32: LICENSING & FRANCHISING IN MALAYSIA LEE SWEE SENG LLB, LLM, MBA Advocate & Solicitor Notary Public, Trademark, Patent Agent Certified Mediator sweeseng@tm.net.my

Intellectual Property License Agreement Intellectual Property License Agreement

1. The Nature of the Intellectual Property will dictate the scope of the rights granted under the Agreement.

2. A Licensor can only part with those rights that it itself holds – therefore the license of patent is typically limited to any or all of the right to make, use and sell the patented invention.

3. A license granted under copyright could include any of many subsidiary and derivation right accorded to the copyright owner.

Sources: Key Aspects of IP License Agreement handout by Donald M Cameron Rowena Borenstein_Ogilvy Renault

Page 33: LICENSING & FRANCHISING IN MALAYSIA LEE SWEE SENG LLB, LLM, MBA Advocate & Solicitor Notary Public, Trademark, Patent Agent Certified Mediator sweeseng@tm.net.my

Intellectual Property License Agreement Intellectual Property License Agreement

Obligation of the Parties

1. Each of the Licensor and Licensee may have obligations to fulfill under the Agreement other than the grant of License Rights and the Payment of Royalties or other License Fees.

2. The nature of the obligation is dependent upon the nature of the Intellectual Property Licensed and the scope of the License Grant.

Sources: Key Aspects of IP License Agreement handout by Donald M Cameron Rowena Borenstein_Ogilvy Renault

Page 34: LICENSING & FRANCHISING IN MALAYSIA LEE SWEE SENG LLB, LLM, MBA Advocate & Solicitor Notary Public, Trademark, Patent Agent Certified Mediator sweeseng@tm.net.my

Obligation of the PartiesObligation of the Parties

3. The obligations may either be positive obligations to take certain actions or negative obligations in the form of restrictive covenants.

a) Disclosure and Assistance

If the Agreement contemplates a license grant including know-how, or if the licensor is otherwise expected to disclose information and offer assistance to the licensee in the exploitation of its license rights, the one of the licensor’s obligations will be to disclose in the required information within a certain amount the time.

Sources: Key Aspects of IP License Agreement handout by Donald M Cameron Rowena Borenstein_Ogilvy Renault

Page 35: LICENSING & FRANCHISING IN MALAYSIA LEE SWEE SENG LLB, LLM, MBA Advocate & Solicitor Notary Public, Trademark, Patent Agent Certified Mediator sweeseng@tm.net.my

Obligation of the PartiesObligation of the Parties

b) Exclusivity

If the license grant is exclusive, the Agreement may include a provision whereby the licensor agrees that it will not license the technology to any other person within the defined exclusive territory or for use in the defined exclusive field.

c) Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights

The agreement should contain a clause indicating which party will be responsible for the maintenance of registered intellectual property rights, and which party is responsible for payment of all the fees associated which those registration.

Sources: Key Aspects of IP License Agreement handout by Donald M Cameron Rowena Borenstein_Ogilvy Renault

Page 36: LICENSING & FRANCHISING IN MALAYSIA LEE SWEE SENG LLB, LLM, MBA Advocate & Solicitor Notary Public, Trademark, Patent Agent Certified Mediator sweeseng@tm.net.my

Conflict of Resolution Conflict of Resolution

Litigation

1. If an alternative dispute resolution procedure is not provided for the Agreement, a party may still attempt to resolve disputes through arbitration, but will only be able to do so if the other party agrees.

Sources: Key Aspects of IP License Agreement handout by Donald M Cameron Rowena Borenstein_Ogilvy Renault

Page 37: LICENSING & FRANCHISING IN MALAYSIA LEE SWEE SENG LLB, LLM, MBA Advocate & Solicitor Notary Public, Trademark, Patent Agent Certified Mediator sweeseng@tm.net.my

FRANCHISING IN MALAYSIA

FRANCHISE

As governed by Franchise Act 1998 (Act 590) & Regulation which came into force on 8 October 1998

Page 38: LICENSING & FRANCHISING IN MALAYSIA LEE SWEE SENG LLB, LLM, MBA Advocate & Solicitor Notary Public, Trademark, Patent Agent Certified Mediator sweeseng@tm.net.my

FRANCHISEFRANCHISE

Section 4 - “franchise” means a contract or an

agreement, either expressed or implied, whether oral

or written, between two or more persons by which –

(a) The franchisor grants to the franchisee the right to

operate a business according to the franchise system

as determined by the franchisor during a term to be

determined by the franchisor

Page 39: LICENSING & FRANCHISING IN MALAYSIA LEE SWEE SENG LLB, LLM, MBA Advocate & Solicitor Notary Public, Trademark, Patent Agent Certified Mediator sweeseng@tm.net.my

FRANCHISEFRANCHISE

(b) The franchisor grants to the franchisee the right to use a mark, or a trade secret, or any confidential information or intellectual property, owned by the franchisor or relating to the franchisor, and includes a situation where the franchisor, who is the registered user of, or is licensed by another person to use, any intellectual property, grants such right that he possesses to permit the franchisee to use the intellectual property;

Page 40: LICENSING & FRANCHISING IN MALAYSIA LEE SWEE SENG LLB, LLM, MBA Advocate & Solicitor Notary Public, Trademark, Patent Agent Certified Mediator sweeseng@tm.net.my

FRANCHISEFRANCHISE

(c) The franchisor possesses the right to administer

continuous control during the franchise term over the

franchisee’s business operation in according with the

franchise system;

(d) The franchisor has the responsibility to provide

assistance to the franchisee to operate his business

including such assistance as the provision or supply of

materials and services, training, marketing, and

business or technical assistance;

Page 41: LICENSING & FRANCHISING IN MALAYSIA LEE SWEE SENG LLB, LLM, MBA Advocate & Solicitor Notary Public, Trademark, Patent Agent Certified Mediator sweeseng@tm.net.my

FRANCHISORFRANCHISOR

Section 4 – “franchisor” means a person who grants a franchise to a franchisee ad includes a master franchisee with regard to his relationship with a sub-franchisee, unless stated otherwise in the Act.

FRANCHISEEFRANCHISEE

Section 4 – “franchisee” means a person to whom a franchise is granted and includes, unless stated otherwise in the Act.

Page 42: LICENSING & FRANCHISING IN MALAYSIA LEE SWEE SENG LLB, LLM, MBA Advocate & Solicitor Notary Public, Trademark, Patent Agent Certified Mediator sweeseng@tm.net.my

FRANCHISE AGREEMENTFRANCHISE AGREEMENT

Section 4 - “franchise agreement” means a contract or an agreement made between a franchisor and a franchisee in respect of a franchise in return for any form of consideration but does not include any contract or agreement made for the purposes of direct selling as provided by the Direct Sales Act 1993.

Page 43: LICENSING & FRANCHISING IN MALAYSIA LEE SWEE SENG LLB, LLM, MBA Advocate & Solicitor Notary Public, Trademark, Patent Agent Certified Mediator sweeseng@tm.net.my

REQUIREMENTS OF A FRANCHISE AGREEMENTREQUIREMENTS OF A FRANCHISE AGREEMENT

SECTION 18 (1) - A franchise agreement shall be in writing.

SECTION 18 (2) – A franchise agreement shall contain but is not limited to -

a) The name and description of the product and business

under the franchise.

b) The territorial rights granted to the franchisee.

c) The franchise fee, promotion fee, royalty or any related

type of payment which may be imposed on the franchisee, if

any.

Page 44: LICENSING & FRANCHISING IN MALAYSIA LEE SWEE SENG LLB, LLM, MBA Advocate & Solicitor Notary Public, Trademark, Patent Agent Certified Mediator sweeseng@tm.net.my

REQUIREMENTS OF A FRANCHISE AGREEMENTREQUIREMENTS OF A FRANCHISE AGREEMENT

d) The obligation of the franchisor.

e) The obligation of the franchisee.

f) The franchisee’s right to use the mark or any other

intellectual property , pending the registration or after

the registration of the franchise.g) The conditions under which the franchisee may assign

the rights under the franchise. h) A statement of the cooling off period as provided in

subsection (4). i) A description pertaining to the mark or any other

intellectual owned or related to the franchisor which is used in the franchise.

Page 45: LICENSING & FRANCHISING IN MALAYSIA LEE SWEE SENG LLB, LLM, MBA Advocate & Solicitor Notary Public, Trademark, Patent Agent Certified Mediator sweeseng@tm.net.my

REQUIREMENTS OF A FRANCHISE AGREEMENTREQUIREMENTS OF A FRANCHISE AGREEMENT

j) If the agreement is related to a master franchise, the

franchisor’s identity and the right obtained by the

master franchisee form the franchisor .

k) The type and particulars of assistance provided by

the franchisor .

l) The duration of the franchise and the terms of

renewal

m) The effect of termination or expiration of the

franchise agreement .

Page 46: LICENSING & FRANCHISING IN MALAYSIA LEE SWEE SENG LLB, LLM, MBA Advocate & Solicitor Notary Public, Trademark, Patent Agent Certified Mediator sweeseng@tm.net.my

REQUIREMENTS OF A FRANCHISE AGREEMENTREQUIREMENTS OF A FRANCHISE AGREEMENT

SECTION 18 (3) – Failure to comply with subsection (2) shall render a franchise agreement null and void.

SECTION 18 (4) – A franchise agreement shall have a cooling of period, which shall be determined by both contracting parties but shall not be less than seven working days, during which the franchisee has the option to terminate the agreement.

SECTION 18 (5) – Upon termination of the franchise agreement under subsection (4), an amount to cover the reasonable expenses incurred by the franchisor to prepare the agreement may be retained by the franchisor from the initial fees paid under section 19; however, all other monies shall be refunded to the franchisee.

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TYPE OF FEES UNDER FRANCHISE ACT 1998 (ACT TYPE OF FEES UNDER FRANCHISE ACT 1998 (ACT 590) AND REGULATIONS590) AND REGULATIONS

SECTION 21 – PAYMENT OF FRANCHISE OF FRANCHISE FEES OR ROYALTY

If a franchisee is required to pay any franchise fees or royalty to a franchisor, the rate of franchise fees or royalty shall be the rate as provided in the disclosure documents.

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SECTION 22 – PROMOTION FUNDSECTION 22 – PROMOTION FUND

1. A franchisor who requires a franchisee to make any payment for the purposes of the promotion of a franchise shall establish a Promotion Fund (“Fund”).

2. The Fund shall be managed under a separate account and shall only be used for the promotion of the product under the franchise.

3. If a franchisee is required to make any payment under section 23, the franchisor shall submit a financial statement of the Fund, which has been endorsed by a registered public account, to the Registrar within thirty days after the conclusion of the last financial term.

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SECTION 22 – PROMOTION FUNDSECTION 22 – PROMOTION FUND

4. The financial statement in subsection (3) shall be submitted to the Registrar together with the annual report under Section 16.

5. A person who fails to comply with this section commits and offence.

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SECTION 23 – PROMOTION FEES, ETC.SECTION 23 – PROMOTION FEES, ETC.

1. If a franchisee is required to make any payment for promotional purposes or pay promotion fees to the franchisor, the payment shall be at the rate as provided in the disclosure documents.

2. The payment required to be made under subsection (1) shall be deposited into the Fund.

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SECTION 24 – REGISTRATION OF TRADE SECTION 24 – REGISTRATION OF TRADE MARK OR SERVICE MARKMARK OR SERVICE MARK

Franchisor is required to register his trademark or service mark relevant to his franchise in accordance with the Trade Marks Act 1976 (if they are registrable under the Act) before applying for the registration of the franchise Under Section 7.

SECTION 25 – FRANCHISE TERM SECTION 25 – FRANCHISE TERM

Stated that aStated that a franchise term shall not be less than five years.

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SECTION 26 – CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATIONSECTION 26 – CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION

1. A franchisee shall give a written guarantee to a franchisor that the franchisee and his employees shall not disclose to any person any information contained in the operation manual or obtained while undergoing training organized by the franchisor during the franchise term and for two years after the expiration or earlier termination of the franchise agreement.

2. The franchisee and his employees shall comply with the terms of the written guarantee given under subsection (1).

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SECTION 26 – CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATIONSECTION 26 – CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION

3. A person who fails to comply with subsection (1) or (2) commits an offence

SECTION 27 – PROHIBITION AGAINST SECTION 27 – PROHIBITION AGAINST SIMILAR BUSINESS SIMILAR BUSINESS

1. Franchisee shall give a written notice guarantee to a

franchisor that the franchisee and his employees shall

not carry on any other business similar to the franchised

business operated by the franchisee during the franchise

term and for two years after the expiration or earlier

termination of the franchise agreement.

Page 54: LICENSING & FRANCHISING IN MALAYSIA LEE SWEE SENG LLB, LLM, MBA Advocate & Solicitor Notary Public, Trademark, Patent Agent Certified Mediator sweeseng@tm.net.my

SECTION 27 – PROHIBITION AGAINST SIMILAR SECTION 27 – PROHIBITION AGAINST SIMILAR BUSINESS BUSINESS

2. The franchisee and employees shall comply with the terms of the written guarantee given under subsection (1).

3. A person who fails to comply with subsection (1) or (2) commit offence.

SECTION 28 – WAIVERS VOID SECTION 28 – WAIVERS VOID

1. Any condition, stipulation or provision on a franchise agreement purporting to bind a franchisee to waive compliance with any provision of this Act is void.

2. This section shall not prevent any person from entering onto a settlement agreement or executing a general release regarding a potential or actual civil action filed in respect of the franchise nor shall it prevent the arbitration of any claim.

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SECTION 29 – CONDUCT OF PARTIESSECTION 29 – CONDUCT OF PARTIES

1. A franchisor and a franchisee shall act in an honest and lawful manner and shall endeavour to pursue the best franchise business practice of the time and place

2. A franchisor and a franchisee in their dealings with one another shall avoid the following conduct:

(a) substantial and unreasonable overvaluation of fees and prices;

(b) conduct which is unnecessary and unreasonable in relation to the risks to be incurred by one party; and

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SECTION 29 – CONDUCT OF PARTIESSECTION 29 – CONDUCT OF PARTIES

(c) conduct that is not reasonably necessary for the protection of the legitimate business interests of the franchisor, franchisee or franchise system.

SECTION 30 – OBLIGATIONS OF FRANCHISOR AND SECTION 30 – OBLIGATIONS OF FRANCHISOR AND FRANCHISEEFRANCHISEE

1. A franchisor shall give a written notice about breach of contract by a franchisee and allow franchisee time to remedy the breach.

2. A franchisee shall pay the franchise fees, royalty, promotion fees or any other payment as provided in the franchise agreement.

Page 57: LICENSING & FRANCHISING IN MALAYSIA LEE SWEE SENG LLB, LLM, MBA Advocate & Solicitor Notary Public, Trademark, Patent Agent Certified Mediator sweeseng@tm.net.my

SECTION 31 – TERMINATION OF A FRANCHISE SECTION 31 – TERMINATION OF A FRANCHISE AGREMMENTAGREMMENT

1. No franchisor shall terminate the franchise agreement before the expiration date except for “good cause “ as provided in subsections (2) and (3)

2. “Good cause” shall include, but is not limited to –

(a) the failure of a franchisee to comply with any terms of the franchise agreement or any other relevant agreement entered into between the franchisor and franchisee; and

(b) the failure of the franchisee to remedy the breach committed by him or any of his employees within the period stated in a written notice given by the franchisor, which shall not be less than fourteen days, for the breach to be remedied.

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SECTION 31 – TERMINATION OF A FRANCHISE SECTION 31 – TERMINATION OF A FRANCHISE AGREMMENTAGREMMENT

3. “Good cause” shall include, but without the requirement of notice and an opportunity to remedy the breach, circumstances in which the franchisee:-

(a) Makes an assignment of the franchise rights for the benefit or creditors or a similar disposition of the assets of the franchise to any other person;

(b) Voluntarily abandons the franchised business;

(c) Is convicted of a criminal offence which substantially impairs the goodwill associated with the franchisor’s mark or other intellectual property; or

Page 59: LICENSING & FRANCHISING IN MALAYSIA LEE SWEE SENG LLB, LLM, MBA Advocate & Solicitor Notary Public, Trademark, Patent Agent Certified Mediator sweeseng@tm.net.my

SECTION 32 - NON-RENEWAL OF A FRANCHISE SECTION 32 - NON-RENEWAL OF A FRANCHISE AGREEMENTAGREEMENT

A franchisor commits an offence if he refuses to renew a franchise agreement or extend a franchise term without compensating a franchisee either by a repurchase or by other means at a price to be agreed to between the franchisor and franchisee after considering

the diminution in the value of the franchised business.

Page 60: LICENSING & FRANCHISING IN MALAYSIA LEE SWEE SENG LLB, LLM, MBA Advocate & Solicitor Notary Public, Trademark, Patent Agent Certified Mediator sweeseng@tm.net.my

SECTION 33 – EARLIER TERMINATION OF A SECTION 33 – EARLIER TERMINATION OF A FRANCHISE TERMFRANCHISE TERM

Notwithstanding Section 25, a franchise term may be terminated before the expiry of the minimum term of five years in the following circumstances:

(a) Where both parties to the franchise agreement agree to a termination; or

(b) Where court has decided tat there are certain conditions in the franchise agreement which merit the agreement to be terminated earlier than the minimum term.

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SECTION 34 – EXTENSION OF A FRANCHISE SECTION 34 – EXTENSION OF A FRANCHISE TERMTERM

1. At any time before the expiration of the franchise term, a franchisee shall at his option give written notice to the franchisor to extend the franchise term.

2. Except when a franchisee has breached the term of a previous franchise agreement, a franchisor shall extend the franchise term to another period if the franchisee has applied for the extension of term under subsection (1).

3. A franchise agreement which franchise term has been extended shall contain conditions which are similar or not less favourable than the conditions in the previous franchise agreement.

Page 62: LICENSING & FRANCHISING IN MALAYSIA LEE SWEE SENG LLB, LLM, MBA Advocate & Solicitor Notary Public, Trademark, Patent Agent Certified Mediator sweeseng@tm.net.my

STATISTIC OF APPROVED FRANCHISESTATISTIC OF APPROVED FRANCHISEBY THE REGISTRAR OF FRANCHISEBY THE REGISTRAR OF FRANCHISE

UNDER FRANCHISE ACT 1998 UNDER FRANCHISE ACT 1998 AS OF 22 JULY 2009 AS OF 22 JULY 2009

DESCRIPTION NOS.

BUMIPUTERA 96

NON-BUMIPUTERA 249

TOTAL 345

Sources: www.pns.com.my

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SOME OF THE FRANCHISE CATEGORY APPROVED BY THE SOME OF THE FRANCHISE CATEGORY APPROVED BY THE REGISTRAR OF FRANCHISE REGISTRAR OF FRANCHISE

Category: Food & BeverageCategory: Clothing

Sources: www.pns.com.my

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THE REGISTRAR OFFICE ADDRESS:-THE REGISTRAR OFFICE ADDRESS:-

Registrar of Franchise Ministry of Entrepreneur and Co-Operative

Development (MECD)Franchise & Vendor Division,

Level 4, Menara Block,No. 18 Persiaran Perdana, Presint 2, 62652 Putrajaya

Tel : 603 - 8880 5593Fax : 603 - 8880 5617

Page 65: LICENSING & FRANCHISING IN MALAYSIA LEE SWEE SENG LLB, LLM, MBA Advocate & Solicitor Notary Public, Trademark, Patent Agent Certified Mediator sweeseng@tm.net.my

Comparison between Licensing and Comparison between Licensing and Franchising Franchising

A) Licensing

Not bound to any Act of Parliament or Regulation A Licensing Agreement can contain terms which are

restricted in a Franchise Agreement by the Franchise Act 1998.

Lower cost Duration of licensing agreement is flexible, need not

be at least 5 years Licensing is cheaper when in bad economic situation

Page 66: LICENSING & FRANCHISING IN MALAYSIA LEE SWEE SENG LLB, LLM, MBA Advocate & Solicitor Notary Public, Trademark, Patent Agent Certified Mediator sweeseng@tm.net.my

Comparison between Licensing and Comparison between Licensing and Franchising Franchising

B) Franchise

As governed by Franchise Act 1998 (Act 590) & Regulation which came in force on 8 October 1998

Section 7 of Franchise Act 1998 stated that all Franchise business is compulsory to register with the REGISTRAR OF FRANCHISE (“ROF”).

Cost buying a well-known franchise is very expensive

Section 25 stated the duration of franchise term shall not less than five years

Page 67: LICENSING & FRANCHISING IN MALAYSIA LEE SWEE SENG LLB, LLM, MBA Advocate & Solicitor Notary Public, Trademark, Patent Agent Certified Mediator sweeseng@tm.net.my

THANK YOU THANK YOU