Create a bespoke document in minutes, or upload and review your own.
Get your first 2 documents free
Your data doesn't train Genie's AI
You keep IP ownership of your information
Franchise Agreement
I need a franchise agreement for a new franchisee in Malaysia, detailing the terms of use for the brand, initial franchise fee, ongoing royalty payments, and marketing contributions. The agreement should also include a clause for territory exclusivity and a minimum performance requirement to maintain the franchise rights.
What is a Franchise Agreement?
A Franchise Agreement is the core legal contract between a franchise owner (franchisor) and someone who wants to run their own franchise outlet (franchisee) in Malaysia. It spells out how the franchisee can use the brand name, business system, and trademark rights under the Franchise Act 1998.
This binding agreement sets the rules for everything from royalty payments and territory rights to quality standards and daily operations. It protects both parties by clearly stating their roles, rights, and responsibilities. Malaysian law requires these agreements to be registered with the Franchise Development Division (KPDN) before any franchise business can start operating.
When should you use a Franchise Agreement?
A Franchise Agreement becomes essential when you're ready to expand your business through franchising or want to operate a franchise outlet in Malaysia. This document needs to be in place before any franchise-related activities begin, as Malaysian law requires registration with the Franchise Development Division (KPDN).
Use this agreement when establishing key business terms with potential franchisees - including store locations, territory rights, fees, and operating procedures. It's particularly crucial for protecting your intellectual property and maintaining brand consistency across multiple locations. Many successful Malaysian franchise networks, from food chains to retail stores, rely on these agreements as their foundation for growth.
What are the different types of Franchise Agreement?
- Franchisor Franchisee Agreement: The standard comprehensive agreement covering basic rights, obligations, and operational terms
- Franchise Operating Agreement: Focuses on day-to-day operations, procedures, and quality standards
- Franchise Development Agreement: Used for multi-unit development rights and expansion planning
- Franchise Transfer Agreement: Handles the sale or transfer of existing franchise units to new owners
- Franchise Contract Agreement: Simplified version for smaller operations with basic terms and conditions
Who should typically use a Franchise Agreement?
- Franchise Owners (Franchisors): Malaysian businesses that own the brand, trademark, and business system, responsible for drafting and registering the Franchise Agreement with KPDN
- Franchisees: Local entrepreneurs or companies purchasing the right to operate the franchise, must comply with agreement terms and operational standards
- Legal Counsel: Corporate lawyers who review, negotiate, and ensure the agreement meets Malaysian franchise laws and regulations
- Franchise Consultants: Specialists who help structure the franchise relationship and advise on industry best practices
- KPDN Officers: Government officials who review and approve franchise registrations under the Franchise Act 1998
How do you write a Franchise Agreement?
- Business Details: Gather complete information about the franchise system, including brand assets, operational procedures, and territory boundaries
- Financial Terms: Document all fees, royalties, and payment structures, including initial franchise fees and ongoing royalty percentages
- Compliance Check: Review current Franchise Act 1998 requirements and KPDN registration guidelines
- Operations Manual: Prepare detailed operational standards, training requirements, and quality control measures
- Documentation: Collect proof of trademark ownership, business registration, and financial statements
- Digital Template: Use our platform to generate a legally-sound agreement that includes all mandatory elements and meets Malaysian legal standards
What should be included in a Franchise Agreement?
- Party Information: Complete legal names, registration numbers, and addresses of franchisor and franchisee
- Rights Grant: Clear description of trademark usage, territory limits, and exclusive/non-exclusive rights
- Financial Terms: Initial fees, royalty rates, advertising contributions, and payment schedules
- Operational Standards: Quality control measures, training requirements, and compliance with Malaysian franchise laws
- Term and Renewal: Agreement duration, renewal conditions, and termination rights
- Dispute Resolution: Malaysian jurisdiction clause, mediation procedures, and governing law
- Confidentiality: Protection of trade secrets and proprietary information
What's the difference between a Franchise Agreement and a Business Acquisition Agreement?
A Franchise Agreement differs significantly from a Business Acquisition Agreement. While both involve business relationships, their core purposes and structures are quite different under Malaysian law.
- Ownership Structure: Franchise Agreements maintain the franchisor's ownership while granting operating rights; Business Acquisition Agreements transfer full ownership and control
- Duration: Franchise Agreements typically involve ongoing relationships with renewal terms; Business Acquisitions are one-time ownership transfers
- Operational Control: Franchises require strict adherence to the franchisor's system and standards; acquired businesses can be operated independently
- Legal Requirements: Franchise Agreements must be registered with KPDN and comply with the Franchise Act 1998; Business Acquisitions follow general contract and corporate laws
- Payment Structure: Franchises involve initial fees plus ongoing royalties; Business Acquisitions usually have a single purchase price with possible installments
Download our whitepaper on the future of AI in Legal
Genie’s Security Promise
Genie is the safest place to draft. Here’s how we prioritise your privacy and security.
Your documents are private:
We do not train on your data; Genie’s AI improves independently
All data stored on Genie is private to your organisation
Your documents are protected:
Your documents are protected by ultra-secure 256-bit encryption
Our bank-grade security infrastructure undergoes regular external audits
We are ISO27001 certified, so your data is secure
Organizational security
You retain IP ownership of your documents
You have full control over your data and who gets to see it
Innovation in privacy:
Genie partnered with the Computational Privacy Department at Imperial College London
Together, we ran a £1 million research project on privacy and anonymity in legal contracts
Want to know more?
Visit our Trust Centre for more details and real-time security updates.
Read our Privacy Policy.