Franchise Law Services
Shaped Around Your Situation
From registration filings to dispute advisory, each service is structured to meet the practical demands of operating within Malaysia's Franchise Act framework.
← Back to HomeHow We Work With You
Every matter begins with an assessment of where you stand — whether you are preparing to register a franchise, formalising an agreement, or navigating a dispute that has already arisen. We work methodically through the relevant requirements under the Franchise Act 1998 and present the available options clearly before any work begins.
Assessment First
We begin with a structured review of your documents, timeline, and objectives before recommending next steps.
Tailored Preparation
Documents, filings, and agreements are prepared specifically for your franchise structure — not drawn from templates.
Clear Progress
You receive regular updates on where your matter stands, what has been submitted, and what remains outstanding.
Franchise Registration & Compliance
Operating or expanding a franchise in Malaysia requires registration with the Registrar of Franchises under the Ministry of Domestic Trade. This is a mandatory process under the Franchise Act 1998, and the documentation required — including the franchise disclosure document — must meet specific regulatory standards.
We assist both domestic franchisors and foreign businesses entering Malaysia through master franchise or area development arrangements. Each engagement includes a readiness assessment to identify any gaps before the formal application is submitted, helping to keep the process on track within the standard six to twelve week window.
Ongoing compliance advisory is also available after registration, as the Franchise Regulations 2012 impose continuing obligations on registered franchisors.
What Is Covered
Registration Process
Agreement Scope
Drafting Process
Franchise Agreement Drafting & Negotiation
A franchise agreement is the document that defines the relationship between franchisor and franchisee for the duration of the arrangement. Poorly drafted provisions around territory, fees, or intellectual property can create difficulties that are expensive and time-consuming to resolve later.
We draft agreements that are specific to the franchise model in question — covering individual franchise agreements, master franchise arrangements, and area development agreements. Each document is structured to align with the Franchise Act 1998 and to reflect the commercial terms that have been agreed between the parties.
The service includes up to three rounds of negotiation support, making it suitable for both straightforward arrangements and more complex multi-party structures. Delivery is within three to four weeks.
Franchise Dispute Advisory & Resolution
When a dispute arises in a franchise relationship, the manner in which it is addressed has lasting consequences — for the commercial relationship, for other franchisees in the network, and for the parties' regulatory standing. Early advice on the available resolution pathways is usually more constructive than escalating to litigation without preparation.
We advise franchisors and franchisees on territorial encroachment, fee disagreements, operational standard disputes, intellectual property misuse, and termination challenges. Each engagement begins with a dispute analysis to clarify the issues and identify the options available — whether negotiation, mediation, a Registrar of Franchises complaint, or court proceedings.
Duration varies with the complexity and pathway selected. We aim to keep matters moving and costs proportionate throughout.
Dispute Types Covered
Resolution Pathways
Choosing the Right Service
Use the table below as a starting point. If you are uncertain which service applies to your situation, an initial enquiry will help clarify the most appropriate path.
| Feature / Scenario | Registration & Compliance | Agreement Drafting | Dispute Advisory |
|---|---|---|---|
| New franchise launching in Malaysia | |||
| Foreign franchisor entering via master franchise | |||
| Drafting or reviewing a franchise agreement | |||
| Franchisee claiming territory encroachment | |||
| Fee or royalty payment dispute | |||
| Franchise termination advisory | |||
| Compliance audit after registration | |||
| Registrar of Franchises complaint |
Not sure which applies? Send us a brief description and we will respond with a clear recommendation.
How Each Engagement Is Managed
Regulatory Accuracy
All work is measured against the Franchise Act 1998 and Franchise Regulations 2012 as amended. We keep abreast of regulatory updates that may affect filings or existing agreements.
Clear Communication
You will receive written updates at each meaningful stage. Legal advice is provided in plain language alongside the formal documentation.
Confidentiality
All information shared with us is held in strict confidence under the solicitor-client relationship and the Personal Data Protection Act 2010 (PDPA).
Bar Council Standards
All legal practitioners at Jaya Counsel are qualified and admitted under the Legal Profession Act 1976. Practice is governed by the Bar Council Malaysia's Legal Profession (Practice and Etiquette) Rules.
Realistic Timelines
Delivery estimates are provided at engagement and updated if circumstances change. We do not commit to timelines we cannot meet.
Transparent Fee Arrangements
Our fee basis is discussed and agreed before work begins. For dispute matters, we provide a cost estimate at each stage rather than a single figure for the whole matter.
Service Fees
All fees are in Malaysian Ringgit and quoted at the engagement's commencement. Prices shown are starting rates; complex matters are assessed individually.
Franchise Registration
& Compliance
- Readiness assessment
- Disclosure document preparation
- Registrar submission
- 6–12 week typical timeline
Franchise Agreement
Drafting & Negotiation
- Full agreement drafting
- Up to 3 negotiation rounds
- Territory, fees, IP provisions
- 3–4 week delivery
Franchise Dispute
Advisory & Resolution
- Dispute analysis & strategy
- Negotiation, mediation, litigation
- Registrar complaints advisory
- Franchisors & franchisees
All prices are subject to SST where applicable. Disbursements (filing fees, courier, etc.) are charged separately at cost.
Speak With Our Team
If you have questions about which service applies to your situation, or would like to discuss your matter before committing to an engagement, we welcome an initial enquiry.
Mon–Fri 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM · Sat 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM · Kota Damansara, Selangor