Companies Act 2006: Primary legislation governing company formation, operation, and regulation in the UK, relevant for both franchisor and franchisee business structures
Contract Law (Common Law): Fundamental principles of contract formation, enforcement, and remedies under English common law system
Sale of Goods Act 1979: Legislation governing the sale of goods and commercial transactions, applicable to product-based franchises
Supply of Goods and Services Act 1982: Legislation covering the provision of services and implied terms in service contracts
Competition Act 1998: Regulates anti-competitive behavior and ensures fair market practices in franchise agreements
UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018: Legal framework for data protection and privacy, crucial for handling customer and business data in franchise operations
TUPE Regulations 2006: Protects employees' rights when businesses or undertakings transfer to new owners
Employment Rights Act 1996: Core employment legislation defining workers' rights and employer obligations
Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988: Protects intellectual property rights including business systems, manuals, and materials used in franchising
Trade Marks Act 1994: Governs the protection and use of trademarks, essential for franchise branding and identity
Vertical Agreements Block Exemption Order: Provides exemptions from competition law for certain vertical agreements, including franchise agreements
Landlord and Tenant Act 1954: Governs commercial property leases, relevant when franchise agreements involve premises
Financial Services and Markets Act 2000: Regulates financial services and markets, applicable if franchise involves financial services
Money Laundering Regulations 2017: Sets requirements for preventing money laundering in business transactions
BFA Code of Ethics: British Franchise Association's guidelines for ethical franchising practices, though not law, represents industry standard
Consumer Rights Act 2015: Protects consumer rights and applies to franchises dealing with consumers
Health and Safety at Work Act 1974: Sets out the framework for workplace health and safety regulations
Law of Property Act 1925: Fundamental property law legislation relevant for franchise premises and property transfers
