A law has come into force in Russia amending the Civil Code in favor of franchising. Amendments to the articles defining the regulatory framework of this business model remove restrictions that are discriminatory for the owner of a business concept on the development of their business under a concession agreement. The innovations will contribute to the spread of franchising and will attract new large brands to Russia, says Merab Elashvili, chairman of the profile Commission "Opora Rossii", president of the Russian Franchising Association.
The new edition of a number of articles of the Civil Code accelerates the state registration of commercial concession agreements, brings domestic legislation closer to world practice, reduces the costs of the copyright holder, protecting it from dishonest actions of the operator, and allows coordinating prices within the network. Now there is no need to look for “workarounds” to minimize risks, experts from the Russian Franchising Association say.
In particular, according to the new edition of Art. 1030, in concession agreements, both periodic payments and a lump-sum payment can be used simultaneously. Art. 1033 allows the copyright holder to establish in the contract restrictions that objectively contribute to the strengthening of the franchise network. Other amendments transform the procedure for renewal of a fixed-term contract, excluding discriminatory restrictions on the right holder to refuse to renew an agreement with a franchisee “on the same terms”. Also, a clause appeared on the basis of which the owner of the business concept has the right to refuse to unilaterally fulfill the contract if the user has violated the technology of work or performed it with inadequate quality.
Changes in federal legislation initiated by the Russian franchising association took effect on October 21, AIDT reports.
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