E-Conveyancing in Queensland E-conveyancing refers to property transactions that are settled electronically, and as of February 20 this year, they’re compulsory in Queensland. Mandatory e-conveyancing aims to ensure property transactions are completed quickly and consistently, and it also brings Queensland into line with New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, and
Buying a House: A Big Commitment Buying a house is one of the biggest financial and emotional commitments you’re likely to make, so it’s important to ensure every detail is just right. Getting the sale contract reviewed by a qualified solicitor could potentially save you a lot of heartache, money
What is a Patent, and Can I Get One? We’ve all heard the expression “that’s a great idea, you should patent it”. But what does getting a patent entail? And are there things that cannot be patented? What is a Patent? A patent is legal protection for any device, substance,
Protecting Your Brand with a Trademark Registration The best way to protect your brand is with a trademark registration. A trademark registration can cover your business name, logo, or even a slogan. With a registered trademark, you will have exclusive rights to those names and images, and the right to
If You Think Someone Has Stolen Your Work If you think someone has stolen your work, is using a trademark or design too similar to yours, or is using your patent without consent, you need a cease-and-desist letter. An intellectual property (IP) cease-and-desist letter is the first step in dealing
What is a Shareholder’s Agreement? A shareholder’s agreement is a contract between the shareholders of a company, which governs the relationship between each shareholder, and specifies who controls the company. While it’s not a legal requirement, if your company has more than one shareholder, it’s advisable to have a shareholder’s
When is a publisher not a publisher? According to the High Court, when it’s Google. In a landmark defamation case, the court has confirmed that publishing hyperlinks to defamatory material written by others does not count as publication – or republication. However, the court also warned against applying that as
Capital Gains Tax (CGT) and Property Sales When a property is sold, it is a Capital Gains Tax (CGT) asset, meaning you may be liable to pay tax on all, or part of the profits from the sale. However, there’s an exemption for a property that is your principal place
What is Franchising? Franchising is a popular business model that allows you to operate a business under the brand of another business. Famous examples of a franchise in Australia include Pool Werx, Muffin Break, and Jim’s Mowing. A franchisee is a sole trader, partnership, or company that enters into an
Selling your hard-earned business is a potential exit strategy once you’re ready to close your books to start a new chapter in your life. There are many reasons a business owner would want to let go of their company. To ensure a smooth-sailing transition of power and assets, you need