Franchise lawyers Stephens Lawyers & Consultants detail changes to commercial law regarding unfair terms in standard consumer contracts

As more amendments pass Parliament, franchise lawyers Stephens Lawyers & Consultants have issued a consumer law update that provides an overview of the new commercial laws regulating unfair terms in standard form consumer contracts, the implications for businesses and other changes to consumer protection laws which came into effect on 1 July 2010.

Businesses who supply goods or services to consumers using standard form contracts will have to review their contracts having regard to the new laws.

Types of businesses affected by these reforms will include those who offer:

• Banking or financial services, loans, and credit card contracts
• software licences
• mobile phone and telecommunications contracts
• domestic building contracts
• many online sales (such as ebay and iTunes)
• gym memberships
• utilities
• pay-TV subscriptions
• travel services; and
• motor vehicles and/or services.