The ACCC has commenced proceedings in the Federal Court against pharmaceutical giant, Reckitt Benckiser, alleging that it is making misleading claims that its various Nurofen products are able to target different types of pain – back pain, period pain, migraine pain and tension headaches – even th
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ACCC finds Trivago guilty of misleading consumers
Jan 29, 2020
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In a judgment handed down by the Federal Court in January 2020, Trivago, popular hotel comparison website, has been found guilty of misleading and deceiving the public as to the operation of its website. The misrepresentations have led consumers to believe they were obtaining discounts when, in real...
What to do if the franchisor isn't fulfilling their end of the bargain
Nov 01, 2016
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There are certainly a lot of advantages when buying into a franchise model; namely, that you are buying into an established brand/reputation/product/service with proven established systems and support from the franchisor. Generally, it is considered to be less risky than establishing your own busin...
Smaller businesses are not immune from the ACCC
Apr 18, 2016
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So, as a smaller business, do you think you are immune from the wrath of the ACCC? Think again.
In recent months, the ACCC has been successful with the following enforcement action:
- Omniblend Pty Ltd – an online retailer of kitchen applicances – found guilty of resale price maintenance in the ...
Alleged misrepresentations and unconscionability in the training industry
Nov 24, 2015
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The ACCC has commenced proceedings in the Federal Court against a training college which offered VET FEE-HELP Diploma courses,costing from $18,000 to $21,000 per course.
It is alleged that:
False or misleading representations
- between January and October 2015, Phoenix Institute of Au...
Introducing the Food and Grocery Code of Conduct
Mar 03, 2015
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A voluntary code of conduct for the food and grocery industry has been introduced under the Competition and Consumer Act 2010. The Code governs certain conduct by grocery retailers and wholesalers in their dealings with suppliers.
Only those retailers and wholesalers that have elected to be bound b...
Dealing with debt collectors: your rights and responsibilities
Dec 08, 2014
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The ACCC and ASIC have launched a new publication, Dealing with debt collectors: Your rights and responsibilities, a guide which explains:
- people’s legal rights and responsibilities if they owe a debt;
- where to seek help to work out a budget, negotiate a repayment plan, apply for hardship or b ...
New Franchising Code of Conduct to apply from 1 January 2015
Nov 12, 2014
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From 1 January 2015, the current Franchising Code of Conduct will be repealed and replaced with a new Code. This will apply to all franchise systems operating in Australia. Whilst the Code will remain largely the same, some of the changes the new Franchising Code will bring include:
- introducing ...
Stronger ACCC powers to enforce the Franchising Code
Nov 04, 2014
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The Government has passed legislation that will give the ACCC stronger powers and greater flexibility when enforcing the Franchising Code of Conduct, the mandatory industry code regulating the conduct of both franchisors and franchisees alike.
The Bill, which will commence on 1 January 2015, gives ...
Federal Court bans Coles from advertising its bread as "fresh"
Sep 29, 2014
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The Federal Court earlier today handed down its ruling in the proceedings commenced by the Australian Competition & Consumer Commissionagainst Coles supermarkets, ordering that:
- Coles be banned for 3 years from advertising its bread as “fresh” and “baked daily” when that wasn’t the case
- Coles mu ...
This blog provides general information and should not be construed as legal advice. Laws may have changed since the publication of this content. We recommend consulting with a qualified legal professional to ensure compliance with current legislation and to address specific circumstances.
