Competition and Consumer

When you have a new product or service, you need to know how to get it into the market place. Will you be distributing it yourself or through others? What can your salespeople say about it? How do you set and advertise prices? You have to be sure your arrangements don’t adversely affect consumers by impacting on competition.

And if things go wrong and you need to recall a product from the market, how do you do that quickly and efficiently in a way that meets regulator demands? Consumer protection is paramount while also maintaining your day to day business.

Consumer regulation is strict and constantly changing with onerous penalties for breaches. Our lawyers understand what concerns regulators and can anticipate problems before issues arise. Our advice is fast and to the point. We tell you what you can and can’t do, and what you need to change to get on with business.

services

ACCC complaints and requisitions
Competition and consumer advice
Compliance and education programs
Mandatory and voluntary product and safety standards
Preparation of ACCC notifications and authorisations
Product liability and product recalls

recent experience

a blockbuster deal

Macpherson Kelley acted for the Blockbuster Video chain in its acquisition of a rival DVD vending machine business run by cinema giant, Hoyts. We advised Blockbuster on the competition implications of the deal and then approached the regulator, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), to argue it did not require investigation. Had the ACCC decided to investigate, it could have delayed the deal. We explained the nature of the DVD rental market and that a merger of the two biggest operators would have no adverse impact on consumers. The ACCC advised it had no concerns and the acquisition progressed.