Newsletters for Clever Business Operators

SEPTEMBER 2024
  • M&A exit considerations for mid-market businesses
  • Searching for Safe Harbour in difficult times
  • Including Intellectual Property as Assets of Your Business

> Read more


AUGUST 2024
  • Kickstart the New Financial Year with Legal Clarity and Precision
  • Welcome Veroshan Sripragasan and Ming Yip
  • Social Impact Meet-Up: Tuesday 6th August

> Read more


JULY 2024
  • Negotiations in a sale or purchase of business
  • National Unfair Contract Terms Regime Update
  • Social Impact Meet-Up: Tuesday 6th August

> Read more


JUNE 2024
  • Employment Law Alert: Fair Work raises minimum wage – is your business ready?
  • Independent Contractor or Employee? We’ve come full circle
  • EOFY is a great time to settle all your business’ outstanding matters

> Read more


MAY 2024
  • Do you have a Shareholder Agreement in place within your business?
  • When was the last time you gave your contracts and agreements a thorough check-up?
  • What is in a brand?
  • We are 10!

> Read more


APRIL 2024
  • Why Companies also need Shareholders Agreements
  • Is your business protected?
  • Including Intellectual Property as Assets of Your Business
  • BCorp Month: March 2024

> Read more


MARCH 2024
  • Welcome: Sue Stevens
  • Can an employee ghost your messages? Now they can!
  • The Importance of Advisors
  • International Women’s Day: March 8th

> Read more


FEBRUARY 2024
  • Ready to tackle the year with a proactive mindset?
  • You’re Fired! Small Businesses and the Fair Work Dismissal Code
  • Have you got a Cyber Security Strategy?
  • Is your business protected?

> Read more


DECEMBER 2023
  • Welcome: Eliza Saunders
  • “Jingle all the way…to Fair Work” | Ways a business can mitigate risk
  • Ready to tackle the new year with a proactive mindset?
  • Compliments of the Holiday Season

> Read more


NOVEMBER 2023
  • You’re Fired! Small Businesses and the Fair Work Dismissal Code
  • ACCC Tightens the Noose on Unfair Contract Terms and Breaches of Competition Laws
  • Is your business protected?
  • Mental Health Month – I’m Just a Man Gala Event, Friday 24th November

> Read more


OCTOBER 2023
  • Top 3 Mistakes Businesses Get Sued By Their Employees For
  • PPSR: Did You Know…?
  • Navigating the Return to In-Person Work: What Employers Need to Know
  • Phasing out of Trading Names

> Read more


SEPTEMBER 2023
  • Historic Victory in Wage Theft Case
  • Think Twice Before You Thumbs Up!
  • New Paid Family and Domestic Violence Leave
  • Zoom’s Recent Terms Update: What You Need to Know

> Read more


AUGUST 2023
  • Including Intellectual Property as Assets of Your Business
  • “If you liked me as a vendor, you’ll love me as a competitor!” The importance of non-compete obligations in a sale of business contract
  • Business Asset Sales – Other Considerations
  • Q&A with Rob: What steps do you take to ensure you constantly grow as an entrepreneur?

> Read more


JULY 2023
  • Welcome Daniel Le
  • The Importance of Advisors
  • Sale of Business Basics: Asset or Share Sale?
  • Welcome to the World Georgia Rankin

> Read more


JUNE 2023 (EOFY SPECIAL EDITION)
  • Tip #1: Settle all your business’ outstanding matters
  • Tip #2: Review contracts and agreements
  • Tip #3: Reflect on IP strategies
  • Tip #4: Set goals

> Read more


MAY 2023
  • What is in a brand?
  • Grace Period for Designs
  • Mind your business (IP): The importance of guarding your intellectual property in supply relationships
  • Company Name v Business Name

> Read more


APRIL 2023
  • Trade Marks: ‘Why you need to register your trade mark (How to protect your brand)’
  • Mind your business (IP): The importance of guarding your intellectual property in supply relationships
  • We Go Beyond: BCorp Month 2023 – It’s a Wrap!
  • Giancarlo DiTrapano Foundation for Literature and the Arts

> Read more


MARCH 2023
  • Welcome Isabella Rothel
  • New Paid Family and Domestic Violence Leave
  • Single Use Plastics
  • Guide to Starting a Business

> Read more


FEBRUARY 2023
  • The Importance of Removing PPSR Registrations
  • Thinking about Leasing or Purchasing Property?
  • Partnerships – A Guide for Small Business
  • e-Commerce Legislation Worldwide

> Read more


JANUARY 2023
  • Documenting Negotiations
  • Getting Paid on Time
  • Trade Mark Basics

> Read more


DECEMBER 2022
  • Compliments of the Holiday Season
  • Now is the best time to prepare for the new year
  • Greenwashing – ASIC’s first formal action resulting in $53K penalty against energy company
  • Social Impact Business Meet-Up: Tuesday 6th December from 7.30am-8.30am

> Read more


NOVEMBER 2022
  • Director Identification Numbers – Important Information!
  • The NFT and copyright conundrum
  • I’m Just a Man Gala Charity Event – Breaking down the walls of the mental health stigma
  • Social Impact Business Meet-Up: Tuesday 8th November from 7.30am-8.30am

> Read more


OCTOBER 2022
  • Without Prejudice
  • Have you got a Cyber Security Strategy?
  • BNI Chess Championship – Sunday 23 October

> Read more


SEPTEMBER 2022
  • Director Identification Numbers
  • Hospitality and Restaurant Industries – Annualised Wages
  • Trade Marks: ‘Why you need to register your trade mark (How to protect your brand)’

> Read more


AUGUST 2022
  • “If you liked me as a vendor, you’ll love me as a competitor!” The importance of non-compete obligations in a sale of business contract
  • My workforce is no longer subject to vaccination mandates – but what are my ongoing OH&S obligations as an employer?
  • NEW VERSION: Fair Work Information Statement
  • Congratulations Stacey!

> Read more


JULY 2022
  • I’m baaaack’ – the ATO recommences debt recovery action with a vengeance!
  • Building Disputes: Prior to Signing the Contract
  • Shareholders Agreements with new business partners: What are the key items to include?
  • Business Partnerships Checklist

> Read more


JUNE 2022
  • From 1 July 2022 the superannuation guarantee percentage will increase to 10.5%
  • Under the influence: How to protect your brand when entering into marketing partnerships with Influencers
  • Podcast: Negotiation in Real Life
  • Social Impact Business Meet-Up Tuesday 7th June from 7.30am-8.30am

> Read more


MAY 2022
  • Employer Alert – Upcoming Changes to Super Contributions
  • ATO Recommencing Directors Penalty Notices – Company Directors Take Note!
  • Commercial Leasing Basics: Outgoings – When more “Outgoing” is not such a good thing
  • We are 8!

> Read more


APRIL 2022
  • Everything you need to know about PPSR
  • 5 reasons why using those cut and pasted T&Cs are a bad idea
  • Social Impact Business Meet-Up
  • BCorp Month: #BehindtheB

> Read more


MARCH 2022
  • Commercial Leasing Basics – The importance (and dangers) of Personal Guarantees
  • Victorian Government Business Stimulus Package
  • Social Impact Business Meet-Up
  • March 8th: International Women’s Day

> Read more


FEBRUARY 2022
  • Changes to Victoria’s Pandemic Orders for “Specified Facilities” and “Specified Workers”
  • Commercial Leasing Basics – Accurately describing and assessing the ‘Permitted Use’
  • Sale of Business Basics: Asset or Share Sale?
  • B Corp Journey Webinar – Learn why and how to build a business for the greater good!

> Read more


JANUARY 2022
  • Happy New Year
  • Commercial Leasing Basics – Who pays lease preparation costs?
  • Your IP needs lovin’ too!
  • Go Outside

> Read more


DECEMBER 2021
  • Compliments of the Holiday Season
  • Now is the best time to prepare for the new year
  • Start Your Business on the Right Foot
  • ‘The new luxury’: How Rankin Business Lawyers puts employee wellbeing first

> Read more


NOVEMBER 2021
  • Director Identification Numbers
  • Changes to the Fair Work Act – Access to Compassionate Leave for Miscarriage
  • Webinar: COVID-19 vaccinations in the workplace – what employers need to know
  • NewAccess for Small Business Owners

> Read more


OCTOBER 2021
  • Fair Work Commission Full Bench Decision Upholds Dismissal of Unvaccinated Worker Who Refused Flu Shot
  • Rent Relief Mandatory Reassessment Due 31 October 2021
  • Sale of Business Basics: Asset or Share Sale?
  • Business Risks

> Read more


SEPTEMBER 2021
  • New Competition Law Guide for Small Business
  • 2021 Commercial Tenancy Rent Relief Scheme
  • Your rights and responsibilities as an online business
  • Have you got a Cyber Security Strategy?

> Read more


AUGUST 2021
  • The importance of knowing your obligations
  • Restraint of Trade vs Exclusivity
  • Making the most of your downtime
  • BCorp Best for the World: Workers

> Read more


JULY 2021
  • Changes to Defamation Laws
  • The Fair Work Commission has announced that the National Minimum Wage will increase by 2.5%
  • Managing your legal costs
  • Planning for FY2022

> Read more


JUNE 2021
  • Wellbeing and Mental Health Support for Victorian Small Businesses
  • Commercial Leases
  • Are your employment agreements and procedures up to date?
  • We are 7!

> Read more


MAY 2021
  • Fair Work finds in favour of childcare employer requiring staff vaccinations
  • Casual employees – Important changes businesses need to know
  • The importance of Shareholders’ Agreements
  • Rankin + 100 Story Building

> Read more


APRIL 2021
  • IP Australia COVID-19 Extension of Time Ended
  • Mind your business: The importance of guarding your intellectual property in supply relationships
  • Do you need to update your parental leave policy?
  • Rankin + B Corporation

> Read more


MARCH 2021
  • Welcome Tracy Dutt
  • Upcoming changes to unfair contract term legislation
  • Is your business ready for the end of JobKeeper?
  • March 8th: International Women’s Day

> Read more


FEBRUARY 2021
  • Should I formally document my arrangements with suppliers? The (not so) obvious commercial advantages of Supply Agreements
  • Vaccinating seafarers – an essential workforce?
  • Roll With The Punches
  • ASIC Cyber Security Proceedings Initiated

> Read more


JANUARY 2021
  • Happy New Year
  • Key Insolvency Reforms You Need to Know!
  • Daniel’s Donuts
  • Meet the team: Elizabeth Chase, Consultant

> Read more


DECEMBER 2020
  • Welcome Vik Pillay
  • Beware! Rise in dodgy insolvency providers ahead of surge in personal and corporate insolvencies
  • miei. : Ordinary people working together to make extraordinary things happen
  • Compliments of the Holiday Season

> Read more


NOVEMBER 2020
  • Crusader Caravans : An Australian Manufacturing Success Story
  • Like buying a 1999 Saab convertible: The importance of understanding the commercial lease obligations when buying a bargain business
  • Wording is so important in employment law – meaning of the word “day”
  • My competitor has copied my website content. Can I stop them?

> Read more


OCTOBER 2020
  • Amendments to Commercial Tenancy Relief Scheme gives Small Business Commission the power to make binding determinations
  • Insolvency relief extension
  • Do you value the value of your IP?
  • A quick Q&A covering COVID-related employment scenarios

> Read more


SEPTEMBER 2020
  • Welcome Ann-Maree Migale
  • The impending lift of COVID-19 insolvency relief – where to from here?
  • The new normal: key issues to address for a successful recovery
  • Further Land Tax Relief for Landlords
  • Team Talk Podcast: Hot Legal Stuff with Rob Rankin

> Read more


AUGUST 2020
  • JobKeeper Extensions
  • Another lockdown, another rent relief request
  • “We don’t have to worry, the Consumer Law doesn’t apply to us”- From July 2021, it just might!
  • Coping during COVID-19

> Read more


JULY 2020
  • National Minimum Wage
  • COVID-19: what to do if your SME is struggling financially
  • Digital Transformation imperative in a post COVID-19 era
  • Are you doing business with suppliers outside of Australia?

> Read more


JUNE 2020
  • Returning to the workplace post-lockdown: Are you prepared?
  • Casual employees on the JobKeeper scheme refusing to work – is this allowed?
  • Victorian Small Business Commission publishes COVID Tenancy Regulations Guidance & Mental Health Information Sheet
  • 30 June is fast approaching! Are you ready?
  • We are 6!

> Read more


MAY 2020
  • Insolvency laws and how to handle debt recovery during the COVID-19 crisis when debtors are failing to pay
  • Board meetings in pyjamas: Tips for conducting digital board meetings while working remotely
  • Do you need to enter Australia but are unsure how to with the current travel restrictions?
  • Women in Insolvency & Restructuring Victoria (WIRV)

> Read more


APRIL 2020
  • Jobkeeper Subsidy Payment – what you need to know
  • The landlord hardship discussion: Being genuine, transparent and compassionate to get the best outcome from your landlord
  • The Victorian courts are effectively closed for new business (except for the Supreme Court) and existing hearings have been cut right back
  • Welcome to lockdown, we’ve been waiting for you

> Read more


MARCH 2020
  • Reviewing Commercial Leases: Why just any legal egg-head won’t do
  • Misclassification of Workers in the Entertainment Industry
  • International Women’s Day : #IWD2020 #EachforEqual

> Read more


FEBRUARY 2020
  • Changes to Annualised Salary Clauses in Modern Awards – 1 March 2020
  • Show some restraint! Ensuring you’re not letting the fox into the hen house when taking on a new partner
  • Leasing or Purchasing Property
  • We are hiring!

> Read more


JANUARY 2020
  • Whistleblower policies must be in place by 1 January 2020
  • Employees set to benefit under new Superannuation laws
  • Flexible work arrangements: making work, work
  • Go Outside

> Read more


DECEMBER 2019
  • Consumer guarantees and product warranties: Can your business afford to get it wrong?
  • Is it illegal for someone to record or film me?
  • Start Your Business on the Right Foot
  • Compliments of the Holiday Season

> Read more


NOVEMBER 2019
  • Spotlight on Employees of Negligent Bosses
  • Who can be bothered! – The importance of carefully preparing and keeping Minutes of Board Meetings
  • The Silly Season and How to Survive It – The Legal Perspective
  • I’m Just a Man 3 – Mental Health Awareness Gala

> Read more


OCTOBER 2019
  • Welcome Francine Clancy
  • Is your business compliant with Victoria’s new Labour Hire Laws?
  • Are you a freelance artist or contractor thinking of heading over to California for work?
  • Spring Clean!

> Read more


SEPTEMBER 2019
  • Like friends at your beach house in January: How charging clauses have a funny way of just turning up
  • How should I be credited on a film, tv or music project?
  • Calling Australia home
  • BCorp News
  • Best For The World: Workers 2019

> Read more


AUGUST 2019
  • Important notice for labour hire businesses
  • My lawyer is not miserable and its frankly disorienting! Why working flexibly has made all the difference for me
  • Better Business for a Better World
  • Walk & Shine –  Fundraiser Saturday 3rd August

> Read more


JULY 2019
  • Important notice for labour hire businesses
  • Want to know the first thing your lawyers do when you ask them to look at your agreement? Check that you actually have one!
  • Better Business for a Better World – Celebrating BCorp month
  • 15th annual Victorian Legal Awards

> Read more


JUNE 2019
  • Moral Clauses
  • Accounting for IP in a Sale of Business: Know what you’re giving away (and charge for it!)
  • All care and no responsibility: Why unreasonable standard terms contracts might be a risk to your business
  • We’ve hit the five year milestone!

> Read more


MAY 2019
  • I’ll take your business but not your problems! – The importance of understanding lease reinstatement obligations when purchasing a business
  • The net is closing in: Is your website about to land you in this trap?
  • Espresso Martinis + Impact

> Read more


APRIL 2019
  • How to avoid an expensive and disruptive dispute
  • Land tax bill a kick in the guts? Wait until you get your landlord’s one!
  • General Protections – Rankin’s Workplace Relations Forum
  • Business as a force for good

> Read more


MARCH 2019
  • Welcome Rebekah O’Sullivan
  • Entertainment Visas
  • What If My Business Partner Gets Hit By A Bus?
  • International Women’s Day 2019 #BalanceforBetter

> Read more


FEBRUARY 2019
  • Why the Dispute Resolution Clause in your Contracts is Important (A.K.A. Everyone is Friends Until They’re Not!)
  • Paying Penalty Rates – What we can Learn from Pizza Hut
  • Podcast: Reducing Risk in the Workplace with Rachel Derrico
  • Social Impact Business Meet-Up

> Read more


JANUARY 2019
  • Your IP needs lovin’ too!
  • Underpaying your employees may cost you more than you think
  • No BS, flexibile working (even for our admin team!)
  • Adhering to dress codes in 2019

> Read more


DECEMBER 2018
  • Why would I pay for your business when you’ve already given it to me? The importance of a well-crafted Confidentiality Agreement in sale negotiations
  • ACCC proactively addresses unfair dairy contract terms
  • APRA to Impose Strict Cyber Security Rules
  • The Silly Season and How to Survive It – The Legal Perspective

> Read more


NOVEMBER 2018
  • Long service leave changes apply 1 November 2018
  • What’s Mine is Yours! Owning Your IP in the Gig Economy
  • November Already! How did that Happen?
  • Melbourne BCorp Business Group – Networking with Heart

> Read more


OCTOBER 2018
  • PPSR: Boring as Hell, but Important for Landlords!
  • Termination of ABC’s Managing Director – Potential Legal Claims
  • Working Overseas
  • BCorp: Wellness in the Workplace

> Read more


SEPTEMBER 2018
  • Introducing Terry Lyons, Community Manager
  • Assignment of a Lease: When Can a Landlord Refuse to Consent?
  • Cleaning Business Recommendations Due in October 2018
  • Do Your Casual Employees Have the Right to Convert to Permanent Employment?
  • R Ur Employees OK? – HR Discussion Group

> Read more


AUGUST 2018
  • Rankin Law Update: Think you’re safe because you’re B2B? Well read on, it’s time to review your T&C’s!
  • Rankin Law Update: Manufacturers and consumer rights
  • Rankin Law Update: Parliamentary inquiry into franchises!
  • Podcast: Wondering where all the progressive employers are? 
  • Australian Law Awards: Boutique Law Firm of the Year 2018

> Read more


JULY 2018
  • Welcome Fiona McLay and Pablo Wundheiler, Special Counsel
  • Rankin Law Update: Domain Corp Scammers Busted!
  • Rankin Law Update: Trading Goods from Overseas?
  • Rankin Event: Preventing Discrimination in Recruitment
  • Rankin Business Lawyers: B Corporation Best for the World 2018 Honoree

> Read more


JUNE 2018
  • Welcome Steve Gifford, Workplace Relations Practice Group Leader
  • Happy 4th Birthday!
  • In the spotlight: Joseph Carneli, Senior Associate
  • Announcement: Rankin drops the ‘& Co.’
  • Lawyers Weekly Article: Boutique reveals Brisbane expansion

> Read more


MAY 2018
  • Welcome Sarah Petrie, Secretary of State
  • It’s Time to Review Your Privacy Policy
  • Will Your ‘Zero-Tolerance Policy’ Withstand the Scrutiny of the Fair Work Commission?
  • Make the Difference
  • Lawyers Weekly Article: The New Law Firm Shunning Short-Term Fixes for Staff Engagement

> Read more


APRIL 2018
  • Who Owns the Business Name – A Lesson for Business
  • Software Developers Beware
  • Employer’s OH&S Duties To Employees Who Work From Home
  • Dr Melanie Tan, Lawyer and Medico-Legal Consultant

> Read more


MARCH 2018
  • Welcome Dr. Melanie Tan, Lawyer and Medico-Legal Consultant
  • Pheonix Companies
  • .au Domain Name Reforms Spell Trouble for Businesses
  • Oops, Wrong Recipient
  • Global Legal Hackathon 2018
  • International Women’s Day 2018: #PressforProgress

> Read more


FEBRUARY 2018
  • Uber’s Cover Up – A prime example of what not to do under the forthcoming ‘notifiable data breaches’ amendment
  • Employment Law Case Study: Underpayments
  • Tax and Cryptocurrencies
  • Rankin & Co. + B Corporation
  • Join Us: Executive Assistant / Paralegal Support Role, Sydney

> Read more


JANUARY 2018
  • It’s Time to Work on that Million-Dollar Idea! …Or at Least Protect it from Imitation.
  • Cofounder Agreements
  • Flexible Work Arrangements; Is it OK to Say No?
  • GENEROSITY, Our Credo for 2018

> Read more


DECEMBER 2017
  • Start Your Business on the Right Foot
  • Closing Your Company – Do It Properly
  • Penalties Issued for Deliberate Underpayment of Staff
  • Where You Stand with Online Purchases

> Read more


NOVEMBER 2017
  • Welcome Sofia Garcia Ladera, Consultant
  • Employers and Franchisors Beware – New Bill Strengthens Watchdog and Imposes Tougher Penalties for Breaches of Workplace Laws
  • Intellectual Property and Meta Tags; Three Lessons for Businesses
  • The Fair Work App

> Read more


OCTOBER 2017
  • Welcome Robert Patterson, Chief Operating Officer
  • Business Succession Planning
  • ID numbers for directors as Turnbull government cracks down on phoenix companies
  • Small Business Tax Concessions
  • Workplace Safety: Helpful Tips

> Read more


SEPTEMBER 2017
  • Welcome Holly Bailey, Executive Assistant
  • Shareholder Agreements
  • Personal Bankruptcy and Liquidation of a Company
  • New disciplinary options needed as Chevron unfairly sacks worker over racist slur
  • Historic photo signifies rise of women to the most powerful positions in law

> Read more


AUGUST 2017
  • Welcome Rachel Derrico, Senior Associate
  • Casual Conversion
  • Safe Harbour Provisions (also a par on new ipso facto provisions)
  • Rankin & Co. celebrates becoming a Certified B Corporation®

> Read more


JUNE 2017
  • First Formal Action Regarding Unfair Contract Terms
  • Underquoting Laws
  • Be Aware of Scams
  • Happy Birthday!

> Read more


MAY 2017
  • The importance of having a solicitor review your lease
  • ATO target high-risk small businesses
  • ‘State of Land’ Report Released
  • A Seth Godin quote to close…
APRIL 2017
  • Upcoming Super Reforms
  • ATO Debt will soon show on Credit Reports
  • Stamp duty abolished for first home buyers
  • Kicking Goals
MARCH 2017
  • Prickly Partners
  • Government Investigation into Superannuation Guarantee Compliance
  • Uber’s GST Fight with ATO over for now
  • ASIC’s Money Smart – ‘First Business’ Free App
FEBRUARY 2017
  • Workplace Laws: Underpayment of employees
  • ACCC Stats and News Report
  • PPSR Grace Period Ended
  • Exploit the Network
JANUARY 2017
  • Personal Guarantees: Only fools rush in!
  • What’s in a name: Domain name disputes
  • AFS licensing requirements for accountants who provide SMSF services
  • Tools of Titans

> Read more


DECEMBER 2016
  • New Chief Justice: Susan Kiefel
  • Contract Signing Technology
  • GST on Low Value Imported Goods
  • Common Unfair Contract Terms
  • And a Rankin & Co Xmas Message…(courtesy of Seth Godin)

> Read more


NOVEMBER 2016
  • Entrepreneurs’ Toolkit
  • Superannuation Reforms
  • The Importance of Cyber Security
  • Read This: 7 Insanely Powerful Lessons My Mentor Taught Me (Which I Didn’t Realize Until Later)

> Read more


OCTOBER 2016
  • Welcome: Ben Elbaum
  • Unfair Contract Terms
  • New Drone Laws
  • Random Piece of our History

> Read more


SEPTEMBER 2016
  • Unfair Contracts
  • Defamation Ruling on Facebook Post
  • Redundancy Calculations
  • Ways to get paid faster
  • And finally…
AUGUST 2016
  • Director Personal Liability for Employee Entitlements
  • Legalize Uber?
  • ANZ Bank Fees – High Court Ruling
  • Where do we come from?  Where are we going?
JULY 2016
  • Fairer VCAT Fees from 1 July 2016
  • ‘or’ means ‘or’ in 15 year determination
  • Snapchat Filters close to breaching copyright laws
  • Rankin & Co are PEXA Lawyers
JUNE 2016
  • Foreign Resident Capital Gains Withholding Payments
  • Increase In Minimum Wage
  • Faster, Better, Smarter!
MAY 2016
  • Budget 2016
  • Australian Consumer Law Applied to Foreign Company
  • Rankin & Co Website
  • We’re Hiring
  • Museum Dance Off