There are many potential benefits of buying a franchise, such as having access to well-established business and accounting systems, centralised marketing and a proven business model. Being part of a well-known national brand also has an appeal for many businesspeople.

When a business is sold, it is common for the purchaser to include a 'restraint of trade' clause in the purchase agreement under which the vendor agrees not to compete with the purchaser.

The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) can take a very strong line when it discovers that price information is passing between competitors with the result that the competition between them is diminished. This can include situations in which information about future pricing policy is passed by indirect means.

A patent can only be granted when there is novelty in the thing for which the patent is sought. This is why it is critical that one's novel designs do not become public knowledge: once they do, a patent application can be defeated on the ground of 'common general knowledge'. Similarly, if a patent is sought in respect of something which is obvious from knowledge of the area, it should not be granted.