If you are looking to start a business in Germany, you may want to consider buying a franchise. Franchises are a great way to expand your business and get a foothold in a new industry, and they are a smart investment. But there are some things to keep in mind.
Laws
There are no specific laws for franchising in Germany. Instead, the rules on franchises are based on general contract law principles. These include the principle of good faith, as well as culpa in contrahendo.
Disclosure obligations are also imposed by German law. A disclosure obligation is an obligation of a franchisor to provide certain information to a prospective franchisee, either before or during the negotiation process. However, this obligation does not apply to the renewal of an existing franchise agreement.
In addition to a franchisee’s obligations to act in good faith, there is a broader duty of good faith for the franchisor. The franchisor is obliged to present all relevant facts to a potential franchisee. Failure to do so can result in the contract being set aside.
Case law
There are a number of different laws that apply in the context of franchising. These include consumer law, contract law, competition law, and unfair trade practices. They have been applied by German courts in order to protect franchisees.
A major principle of German law is the duty of good faith. This principle applies to all parties involved in an agreement. If one party does not fulfill this obligation, they may be subject to an adverse claim.
Another statutory duty is the pre-contractual duty to inform. According to this, a franchisor must deliver all information necessary for the franchisee to make an informed decision before entering a franchise agreement.
Good faith agreements
The German franchise industry is a vibrant one. Many foreign franchisors operate in the country. A recent study by the German Franchise Association (GDFA) found that 93 per cent of respondents thought that franchising is a very crisis-proof business model.
A franchise agreement can be entered into for a definite term or for a set time period. Depending on the terms of the contract, it can be terminated for good cause, lapse of time, or for no reason at all. However, most franchise agreements do not have a clear and specific good faith provision.
The concept of good faith is firmly established in civil law jurisdictions of the EU. While English law has traditionally resisted implying a duty of good faith into a commercial contract, recent court cases have thrown light on the topic.
False franchising
False franchising is a problem in the German market. Low-skill employers have been known to use false franchising to reduce their employer liabilities.
The German courts are particularly sensitive to false franchising. Nevertheless, Germany lacks a specific franchise law. Instead, general codes of law apply.
Pre-contractual obligations relating to franchising can be found in sections of the Civil Code. The provisions of these sections are intended to impose a heavy expectation of good faith on the parties. Similarly, provisions governing contractual negotiations apply.
However, the franchisor does not have to give prospective franchisees information about general risks associated with self-employment. This is because the franchisees are considered employees of the franchisor.
Increased demand for alternative care and nursing services
The increase in demand for alternative care and nursing services in Germany presents a challenge to the existing LTC system. There is a need to strengthen the health care system and prevent illness in vulnerable populations. In addition, policy changes should be implemented to improve the quality of services provided. However, many questions remain unanswered.
One key challenge is the lack of professional self-governance in the nursing profession. Nurses are underrepresented in scientific advisory committees and evaluation committees, and their expertise is not included in policy decisions.
Professional organizations in Germany lack the resources to organize a robust lobbying effort for patients. Therefore, nurses need to be well represented in all levels of decision making. A number of studies have highlighted the need for greater representation.
Tax implications
If you plan to operate a franchise in Germany, you should be aware of the various legal and tax implications. For example, German law imposes a heavy duty of good faith on both parties. This duty applies to the contracting process, and to the ongoing relationship between the franchisor and the franchisee.
In addition, German law requires that pre-contractual disclosures be made. The obligation to make disclosures is based on the culpa in contrahendo principle, a concept in which a party has a duty to disclose all relevant facts in order to avoid a mishap. Generally, the information that a franchisor must provide includes pricing details and product specifications.