{"id":150232,"date":"2026-10-07T11:20:01","date_gmt":"2026-10-07T11:20:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/guides\/?post_type=comparative_guide&#038;p=150232"},"modified":"2026-10-07T11:29:39","modified_gmt":"2026-10-07T11:29:39","slug":"qatar-franchise-licensing","status":"publish","type":"comparative_guide","link":"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/guides\/chapter\/qatar-franchise-licensing\/","title":{"rendered":"Qatar: Franchise &amp; Licensing"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"template":"","class_list":["post-150232","comparative_guide","type-comparative_guide","status-publish","hentry","guides-franchise-licensing","jurisdictions-qatar"],"acf":[],"appp":{"post_list":{"below_title":"<div class=\"guide-author-details\"><span class=\"guide-author\">Al Tamimi &amp; Company In Association with Adv. Mohammed Al Marri<\/span><span class=\"guide-author-logo\"><img src=\"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1\/2019\/07\/Al-Tamimi-Company-Logo-Blue.jpg\"\/><\/span><\/div>"},"post_detail":{"above_title":"<div class=\"guide-author-details\"><span class=\"guide-author\">Al Tamimi &amp; Company In Association with Adv. Mohammed Al Marri<\/span><span class=\"guide-author-logo\"><img src=\"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1\/2019\/07\/Al-Tamimi-Company-Logo-Blue.jpg\"\/><\/span><\/div>","below_title":"<span class=\"guide-intro\">This country specific Q&amp;A provides an overview of Franchise &amp; Licensing laws and regulations applicable in Qatar<\/span><div class=\"guide-content\"><div class=\"filter\">\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t<input type=\"text\" placeholder=\"Search questions and answers...\" class=\"filter-container__search-field\">\r\n\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t<ol class=\"custom-counter\">\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Is there a legal definition of a franchise and, if so, what is it?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>There is no specific legal definition of a franchise in Qatar or any specific law directed at franchise arrangements. Some aspects of a franchise arrangement may be covered by Chapter 5 of the Qatar Commercial Code (Law 27 of 2006).<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Are there any structuring considerations for foreign franchisors (e.g. use of master franchisees, local presence requirements)?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>There are no statutory requirements in this regard.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Are there any requirements that must be met prior to the offer and\/or sale of a franchise? If so, please describe and include any potential consequences for failing to comply.<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>There are no specific requirements that must be met before entry into any franchise agreement in Qatar. In the event that the franchise arrangement also contains an aspect of the franchisee acting as an agent for the franchisee or as a distributor of the franchisor\u2019s products in Qatar, then it is possible to register an agreement on the Commercial Agents\u2019 Register held by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry under the Qatar Commercial Agents Law (Law 8 of 2002), but this is a voluntary registration that may be undertaken by such agent\/distributor if the agent\/distributor wishes to avail itself of certain protections afforded to it under the Qatar Commercial Agents\u2019 Law. Registration is also subject to the agent\/distributor being fully owned by Qatari nationals and being appointed exclusively.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Are there any registration requirements for franchisors and\/or franchisees? If so, please describe them and include any potential consequences for failing to comply. Is there an obligation to update existing registrations?  If so, please describe.  Are there any practical or timing implications (e.g. typical registration timelines, delays in practice)?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>There are no mandatory registration requirements in Qatar in this regard. In the event that the franchise arrangement also contains an aspect of the franchisee acting as an agent for the franchisee or as a distributor of the franchisor\u2019s products in Qatar, then it is possible to register an agreement on the Commercial Agents\u2019 Register held by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry under the Qatar Commercial Agents Law (Law 8 of 2002), but this is a voluntary registration that may be undertaken by such agent\/distributor if the agent\/distributor wishes to avail itself of certain protections afforded to it under the Qatar Commercial Agents\u2019 Law. Registration is also subject to the agent\/distributor being fully owned by Qatari nationals and being appointed exclusively.<\/p>\n<p>In terms of an intellectual property that may be licensed to be utilised by the franchisee, in the event the franchisee is granted a licence over intellectual property that is registered on a registry in Qatar, such as a trademark or a patent, then whilst it is possible to register a licence for use of the same on the register for the particular intellectual property, it is not mandatory to do so. However, in the event that franchisee is to use the intellectual property as a trade name and that intellectual property is registered as a trademark, then a licence from the trademark proprietor is a mandatory condition of being able to add the trade name to the commercial registration of the franchisee.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Are there any disclosure requirements (franchise specific or in general)? If so, please describe them (i.e. when and how must disclosure be made (is there a minimum disclosure period before signing or payment (e.g. cooling-off period)), is there a prescribed format, must it be in the local language, do they apply to sales to sub-franchisees) and include any potential consequences for failing to comply.   Is there an obligation to update and\/or repeat disclosure (for example in the event that the parties enter into an amendment to the franchise agreement or on renewal)? What are the consequences of late or incomplete disclosure?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>There are no specific disclosure requirements.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">If the franchisee intends to use a special purpose vehicle (SPV) to operate each franchised outlet, is it sufficient to make disclosure to the SPVs' parent company or must disclosure be made to each individual SPV franchisee?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Such disclosure would only be necessary in the event there was a contractual obligation to do so.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What actions can a franchisee take in the event of mis-selling by the franchisor?  What are the main legal grounds for such claims (e.g. misrepresentation, statutory disclosure breaches, unfair commercial practices)?  To what extent can liability be excluded or limited by non-reliance or entire agreement clauses or disclaimers in the franchise agreement, disclosure document or sales material?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>A franchisee only has available to it remedies prescribed by the franchise agreement and a general right to undertake court proceedings in respect of any breach of contract, failure in contract in good faith, misrepresentation or other tortious actions.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Would it be legal to issue a franchise agreement on a non-negotiable, \"take it or leave it\", basis?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Yes that would be legal.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">How are trademarks, know-how, trade secrets and copyright protected in your country?  Are there any specific requirements or risks relating to the licensing of know-how and trade secrets in a franchise context?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>For trademarks the principal framework is GCC Trademarks Law (Law 7 of 2014) and its implementing regulations as well as the Law on Trademarks, Trade Names, Geographical Indications and Industrial Designs (Law 9 of 2002) which remains relevant to matters not displaced by the GCC Trademarks Law.<\/p>\n<p>One may register any distinctive mark used or intended to distinguish goods or services, including names, words, signatures, characters, numbers, titles, seals, drawings, images, packaging, figurative elements, shapes, colours or colour combinations, or any other sign or group of signs.\u00a0 An applicant files an application with the Trademark Office at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and the process typically takes 4\u20136 months. Protection lasts for ten years from filing and may be renewed for successive ten-year periods. Once registered, a registered trademark owner can take the following actions against infringement:<\/p>\n<p>a. Administrative action where complaints may be filed before the Intellectual Property Office (which investigates and may refer to public prosecution) or the Consumer Protection Directorate (which may issue warnings, order temporary closure, and impose fines);<\/p>\n<p>b. Customs inspection where the Qatar Customs Authority may prevent importation of products bearing a registered or well-known trademark until the importer proves authorisation and authenticity; customs registration is also available;<\/p>\n<p>c. Civil court action before the Investment and Trade Court, whereby the registered proprietor may seek removal of a conflicting trade name, prohibition of use, and compensation for damages;<\/p>\n<p>d. Reporting to Public Prosecution Department for criminal action which may result in imprisonment or fines, confiscation or destruction of infringing goods.<\/p>\n<p>For unregistered trademarks protection is limited. The proprietor of an unregistered mark can seek to prevent infringement by contending the mark is well-known (and thus protected despite being unregistered) or by establishing prior use.<\/p>\n<p>Qatar is party to the Paris Convention, the Madrid Protocol, the Nice Agreement (in force since 10 February 2026), and WTO\/TRIPS. These provide a six-month priority period, access to the Madrid international filing system and use of the Nice classification.<\/p>\n<p>A trademark may be assigned in writing or licensed in writing and such assignment or transfer must be recorded and published to bind third parties.<\/p>\n<p>Copyright is principally governed by the Copyright Law (Law 7 of 2002). \u00a0Protection covers original literary and artistic works irrespective of value, quality, purpose, or mode of expression, including written works, lectures, dramatic and musical works, audiovisual and photographic works, applied art, architecture, computer programs, original titles, translations, adaptations, compilations, and databases. Ideas, procedures, methods of operation, mathematical concepts, abstract principles, and facts are not protected as such, though original expression of them may be.<\/p>\n<p>Copyright arises automatically upon creation and there is no mandatory registration. However, a copyright proprietor may voluntarily deposit the work with the Copyright Office at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and obtain a certificate, which serves as prima facie evidence of ownership and timing and facilitates civil and criminal actions.<\/p>\n<p>In order to enforce copyright, a proprietor may seek preventative orders, seizure or preservation of infringing copies, confiscation, destruction, compensation, and confiscation of exploitation proceeds before the Investment and Trade Court. The court may grant interim measures (including without notice in urgent cases on security), and the claimant must generally commence the substantive action within 15 days.<\/p>\n<p>Reporting to Public Prosecution Department for criminal action which may result in imprisonment, fines, confiscation and closure of the infringing business.<\/p>\n<p>Qatar is party to the Berne Convention (since 2000), the WIPO Copyright Treaty (in force since 2005), WTO\/TRIPS (since 1996), and the Arab Agreement for the Protection of Authors&#8217; Rights. These ensure that qualifying foreign works receive protection in Qatar without a separate registration.<\/p>\n<p>Copyright may be transferred by written assignment or a licence may be created over any economic rights, specifying scope, purpose, duration, and territory. Moral rights cannot be assigned.<\/p>\n<p>The Protection of Trade Secrets Law (Law 5 of 2005) governs trade secrets which is defined as information that, in its entirety or in the precise configuration and assembly of its components, is not generally known or readily accessible to persons in the relevant business circles; derives commercial value from being secret; and is subject to effective measures by its lawful holder to maintain its secrecy. There is no registration system for trade secrets and protection depends on maintaining secrecy. An entity should use appropriate confidentiality and IP provisions in any franchise agreements as well as marking and classifying confidential material; using physical and technical controls; maintaining access logs; and implementing return, deletion and exit procedures. Enforcement is principally judicial before the Investment and Trade Court.<\/p>\n<p>However, unlawful acquisition, use, or disclosure may also attract imprisonment of up to one year and a fine of up to QAR 50,000, with higher maximums for repeat offences.<\/p>\n<p>In terms of know-how generally the Qatar Commercial Code addresses the same through its unfair competition provisions. Article 71 expressly prohibits a trader from enticing the employees or agents of a competitor to assist in poaching clients or revealing trade secrets and such acts constitute unfair competition giving rise to a claim for damages. Commercial agents are also bound by a duty of confidentiality under Article 299, which prohibits them from disclosing the principal&#8217;s secrets learned during the course of the agency, even after the contractual relationship has ended.<\/p>\n<p>The foregoing would apply in terms of any trademarks, know-how, trade secrets and copyright generally, there are no specific statutory provisions related to franchise relationships.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Are there any franchise specific laws governing the ongoing relationship between franchisor and franchisee? If so, please describe them, including any terms that are required to be included within the franchise agreement.<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>There are no specific franchise laws governing the ongoing relationship between the franchisor and the franchisee. No terms are required by law to be included in a franchise agreement. However, any agreement will be subject to the general provisions under the Qatar Civil Code (Law 22 of 2004) and the Qatar Commercial Code in the same manner as will be applicable to any contractual relationship. Furthermore, in the event the franchise agreement contains an aspect of exclusive agency or distribution rights, certain protections may be afforded to the franchisee as agent\/distributor under either the Commercial Agents\u2019 Law or the Commercial Code.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Are there any aspects of competition law that apply to the franchise transaction (i.e. is it permissible to prohibit online sales or use of online marketplaces (e.g. Amazon, third-party platforms), insist on exclusive supply, fix or set maximum retail prices, operate dual distribution\/hybrid franchisor models)? If applicable, provide an overview of the relevant competition laws.<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>The Qatar Competition Law (Law 19 of 2006) will apply to any commercial relationship between parties that may attempt to hinder competition or to result in an abuse of a dominant market position. Provisions of the Competition Law prevent the following actions:-<\/p>\n<p>(a) Manipulating the prices of products, either by raising, lowering, or fixing such prices;<\/p>\n<p>(b) Limiting the freedom of flow of products in and out of markets by concealing them, refusing to deal in them despite their availability, or stockpiling them without justification;<\/p>\n<p>(c) Deliberately provoking a sudden abundance of products, or applying a manipulative price to the same;<\/p>\n<p>(d) Preventing or hindering any person from practicing that person\u2019s economic or commercial activity on the market;<\/p>\n<p>(e) Unjustifiably concealing products that are available in the market;<\/p>\n<p>(f) Restricting production, manufacturing, distribution or marketing operations, or limiting the distribution, type or volume of services, or imposing conditions or restrictions on their supply.<\/p>\n<p>(g) Dividing or allocating product markets on the basis of geographical areas, distribution centres, type of customers, seasonal basis, time periods, or on the basis of goods;<\/p>\n<p>(h) Coordinating or agreeing between competitors with respect to submitting or abstaining from submission of bids in tenders, selective tendering practices, bidding and supply offers. However, joint offers declared as such from the outset are excluded in this regard, provided that such joint offers are not in any way intended to prevent competition; and<\/p>\n<p>(i) Knowingly spreading false information about products or their prices.<\/p>\n<p>In addition, it is prohibited for persons holding a market dominant position from:-<\/p>\n<p>(i) Refraining from dealing in products through sale or purchase, or limiting or hindering such dealing in a manner that leads to the imposition of unrealistic prices;<\/p>\n<p>(ii) Reducing or increasing the available quantities of a product in a manner that leads to the contrivance of a false shortage or abundance of the product;<\/p>\n<p>(iii) Refraining, without lawful justification, from (i) concluding product sales or (ii) purchase deals with any person, or (iii) selling the products in which the person deals for less than their actual cost, or (iv) ceasing to deal with the person altogether in a manner that limits his freedom to enter or leave the market at any time;<\/p>\n<p>(iv) Imposing an obligation not to manufacture, produce or distribute a product for a specified period;<\/p>\n<p>(v) Imposing an obligation to limit the distribution or sale of a product or service exclusively on the basis of geographical areas, distribution centres, clients, seasons or periods of time among persons who have a vertical relationship;<\/p>\n<p>(vi) Concluding a contract or agreement for the sale or purchase of a product conditional upon the acceptance of obligations or products that are unrelated to the original object of the transaction or agreement due to their nature or commercial usage;<\/p>\n<p>(vii) Violating the principle of equality of opportunity among competitors by favouring, without lawful justification, some competitors over others in the conditions of sale or purchase agreements;<\/p>\n<p>(viii) Refraining from making a scarce product available when its availability is economically possible;<\/p>\n<p>(ix) Obliging a supplier not to deal with a competitor;<\/p>\n<p>(x) Selling products below their marginal cost or average variable cost;<\/p>\n<p>(xi) Obliging a person\u2019s associates not to allow a competitor to use their utilities or services that are necessary for the competitor, despite the fact that making such usage available is economically possible.<\/p>\n<p>Notwithstanding the foregoing, it is permissible in a franchise agreement to:-<\/p>\n<p>(1) require exclusivity;<\/p>\n<p>(2) oblige a franchisee not to undertake or assist a competing business; and<\/p>\n<p>(3) limit the means by which a franchise can make sales of franchised products\/services e.g. require only through a shop and not online.<\/p>\n<p>There is no statutory provisions that would require or prevent operation of dual distribution\/hybrid franchisor models.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Are there any ESG, compliance or supply chain-related legal requirements impacting franchise systems?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>No.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Are in-term non-compete and non-solicitation clauses enforceable and are there any limitations on the franchisor's ability to impose and enforce them?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Yes, outside of labour relationships, the same are enforceable under the principle of contractual freedom although principles such a good faith will be applicable (see section 12 below) as well as any competition considerations (see section 10 above). However, it should be noted that the courts of Qatar generally do not grant injunctive relief and any action for a breach of such clause would need to be an action for damages resulting from such a breach.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Is there an obligation (express or implied) to deal in good faith in franchise relationships?  If so, what practical effects does this have on the relationship between franchisor and franchisee?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>\u201cGood faith\u201d is prescribed for in Article 172(1) of the Civil Code. The law requires contracting parties to perform their contractual obligations in good faith. Article 172 (2) states that exercising good faith should not be limited to the contract&#8217;s provisions but should also include whatever is required by the law and customary practice and justice, in accordance with the nature of the obligation under the contract. What is being considered when looking at the obligation to perform in \u201cgood faith\u201d is not whether there is a breach of obligation, rather, the concept of good faith looks at the intention behind performing an obligation (or lack of) in a certain manner, and whether such intention is negative or harmful in some manner. However, the obligation to act in good faith does not alter the obligations of the parties under the contract provisions but rather the obligation extends beyond merely performing the same according to its most literal meaning but rather the manner in which such obligations are expected to be performed. However, in order to demonstrate a lack of good faith it must be shown that the party alleged to not be showing good faith has a demonstrably bad intention or a somewhat harmful agenda.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Are there any employment or labour law considerations that are relevant to the franchise relationship? Is there a risk that the staff of the franchisee could be deemed to be the employees of the franchisor? What level of operational control may a franchisor exercise without creating employment or agency risk?  What steps can be taken to mitigate this risk?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>There is no franchise-specific employment legislation in Qatar. Under Qatar law, there is no real risk of franchisee staff being deemed employees of the franchisor. In a properly structured franchise arrangement, the franchisee is the employer of its own staff. Under the Qatar Labour Law an employee is prohibited from working for third parties, which reinforces the principle that each employee has a single employer. However, the Qatar Labour Law (Law 14 of 2004) applies to the relationship between all employers and employees in Qatar and gives rise to several considerations relevant to the franchise relationship, as set out below.<\/p>\n<p>(a) Qatar does not have legislation applying an automatic transfer of employment regime. When a franchise changes hands (for example, where one franchisee replaces another, or where the franchisor takes a previously franchised operation in-house), the employees of the outgoing franchisee do not automatically transfer to the incoming operator. Instead, the transfer of employees must be effected by way of: (i) termination of each employee\u2019s employment with the outgoing franchisee; and (ii) re-engagement of each employee by the incoming franchisee (or the franchisor, as applicable) under a new contract of employment. complying with the Labour Law.<\/p>\n<p>(b) In relation to expatriate employees, there is the possibility to transfer sponsorship (i.e. Qatar residence permits) from the outgoing franchisee to the incoming franchisee or to the franchisor\u2019s Qatar entity, but this will only have the effect of transferring the sponsorship relationship, it will not transfer an employment relationship.<\/p>\n<p>(c) Where the nature of the work allows the employee to become acquainted with the employer\u2019s clients or access trade secrets, the employer may include a non-compete clause, but it shall not exceed two years and shall not be enforceable unless approved by the Ministry of Labour.<\/p>\n<p>As long as employees of the franchisee are employed on contracts with the franchisee and take instructions from their employer of record, there is little risk of them being deemed employees of the franchisor.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Is there a risk that a franchisee could be deemed to be the commercial agent of the franchisor? What steps can be taken to mitigate this risk?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Yes, where the agreement permits the franchisee to act as agent of the franchisor. An \u201cagency\u201d will be legally implied in circumstances where there is scope for the franchisee to bind the franchisor in legal relationships, where exclusivity is granted, where there is a licence to sell or distribute goods or services of the franchisor; and where the franchisee receives profit or commission from the franchisor. In addition, where the franchisee is appointed to distribute products of the franchisor (i.e. buy products from the franchisor and on sell the same) and is appointed to do so exclusively then the franchisee may be considered to be a commercial agent under the Commercial Agents\u2019 Law. The franchisee may also be considered a commercial agent or distributor under the Commercial Code.<\/p>\n<p>To mitigate the risk of the foregoing, the franchise agreement should make it clear that the franchisee has no power to bind the franchisor in legal relationships with third parties and where the franchisee is to buy products from the franchisor and permitted to on-sell the same, that the franchisee is not appointed to do so exclusively.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Are there any laws and regulations that affect the nature and payment of royalties to a foreign franchisor and\/or how much interest can be charged? Are there any requirements for payments in connection with the franchise agreement to be made in the local currency?  Are there any restrictions on structuring payments (e.g. royalties vs service fees vs mark-ups)?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Under Qatar law no person may be entitled to charge interest unless registered in Qatar as a financial institution, so any provision that imposes interest that is subject to Qatar law or the jurisdiction of Qatar courts will be void.<\/p>\n<p>There are no requirements for royalty payments to be made in a particular currency and there are no restrictions on structuring payments.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Is it possible to impose contractual penalties on franchisees for breaches of restrictive covenants etc.? If so, what requirements must be met in order for such penalties to be enforceable?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Qatar law does not permit persons to generally apply penalties for any contractual breach and seeking compensation for damages is the only appropriate remedy. However, it is possible in an agreement to agree on the amount of compensation for particular breaches e.g. by liquidated damages. However, it is open to the person liable for the liquidated damages to demonstrate to a court that the amount of liquidated damages is excessive compensation, but the burden of proof is imposed on the person claiming the liquidated amount is excessive.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What tax considerations are relevant to franchisors and franchisees? Are franchise royalties subject to withholding tax?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Yes, there is a 5% withholding tax imposed on franchise royalties where the franchisor does not have a permanent establishment in Qatar. However, there is no law that prevents the franchise agreement containing a grossing-up clause such that the franchisor is reimbursed for the withheld amounts, provided that the franchisee is not a government instrumentality or a government-controlled entity. Where the franchisor is a Qatar tax-resident, royalty income will form part of the franchisor\u2019s taxable income.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">How is e-commerce regulated and does this have any specific implications on the relationship between franchisor and franchisee?  For example, can franchisees be prohibited or restricted in any way from using e-commerce in their franchise businesses?  Are there any rules regarding online sales within or outside a franchisee\u2019s territory?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>The E-Commerce Law (Law 16 of 2010) and the E-Commerce Licensing Decree (Minister of Commerce and Industry Decree 25 of 2026) establishes the legal framework for electronic transactions, including the validity and enforceability of electronic contracts, electronic signatures, and data messages. It also imposes consumer protection obligations on e-commerce service providers, including requirements to provide full disclosure of contract terms, pricing, delivery arrangements, and cancellation rights before a transaction is concluded. Under the E-Commerce Licensing Decree, any person wishing to conduct commercial activities through a website must obtain an e-commerce licence from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and be registered in the Commercial Register. A separate licence is required for each website used for commercial purposes. Licensees must provide electronic payment services, display their commercial registration number, contact details, product\/service data, return policies, and consumer protection measures on their website.<\/p>\n<p>There are no specific provisions under Qatar law that prohibit a franchisor from restricting or prohibiting a franchisee\u2019s use of e-commerce. Accordingly, it is generally permissible for a franchise agreement to include clauses restricting franchisees from engaging in online sales or requiring franchisor approval for e-commerce activities, provided such restrictions are clearly set out in the franchise agreement and do not conflict with applicable competition laws. However, if a franchisee engages in e-commerce, it must comply with the licensing and consumer protection requirements set out above. In addition, online sales undertaken within Qatar may only be undertaken by a provider registered in Qatar. However the same does not prevent a person from conducting online sales from abroad and simply delivering product into Qatar, provided that the purchaser will need to deal with any Qatar customs requirements at point of entry.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What are the applicable data protection laws and do they have any specific implications for the franchisor\/franchisee relationship?   In particular, what are the key data protection considerations in a franchise relationship, including: (a) allocation of controller\/processor roles; (b) use of customer databases; (c) cross-border data transfers; and (d) marketing and CRM activities?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Processing of personal data is regulated in the Data Protection Law (Law no 13 of 2016) as well as Data Protection Guidelines (\u201cGuidelines\u201d) issued by the regulator (which appear to have been structured as an attempt to mirror the comprehensiveness of the General Data Protection Regulations (\u201cGDPR\u201d) in force in the European Union, even though the same is not reflected in the provisions of the Data Protection Law. Whilst the Guidelines do not hold any force of law they are considered by the regulator guiding documents and recommended practice.<\/p>\n<p>Under the Data Protection Law, personal data may not be processed unless one of the following shall apply:<\/p>\n<p>a. the individual has given consent to the processing of his or her personal data; or<\/p>\n<p>b. processing is necessary for legitimate interest pursued by the organisation;<\/p>\n<p>c. processing is necessary to fulfil legal obligation;<\/p>\n<p>d. processing is necessary to fulfil a contractual obligation; and<\/p>\n<p>e. any other permitted reason under Articles 18 and 19 of the Data Protection Law which includes:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none\">\n<ul>\n<li>executing a task related to the public interest as per the Data Protection Law;<\/li>\n<li>implementing a legal obligation or an order rendered by a competent court;<\/li>\n<li>processing is necessary in order to protect the vital interests of the individual;<\/li>\n<li>processing is necessary for achieving the purposes of scientific research conducted for public benefit; or<\/li>\n<li>processing is necessary for collecting information concerning criminal offences based on an official request from the investigating organisation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>In addition, individuals have the right to withdraw consent, object to processing, request erasure, and request corrections to their personal data. Further, data controllers must inform individuals of their identity, the lawful purposes of processing, and a description of the processing activities prior to commencing any processing. This usually takes place by way of a privacy notice. Data controllers and data processors must also take appropriate precautions to protect personal data against loss, damage, unauthorised disclosure, or illegal use, and must notify individuals and the regulator of any breach that may cause serious damage. Data controllers and data processers must also enter into a data processing agreement.<\/p>\n<p>Penalties for violations of the Data Protection Law range from fines of up to QAR 1,000,000 for breaches of general data processing obligations, to fines of up to QAR 5,000,000 for violations relating to data security and sensitive personal data.<\/p>\n<p>In the franchise context, both the franchisor and franchisee should ensure that any personal data collected from customers or employees in the course of the franchise business is processed in compliance with the Data Protection Law. Franchise agreements should address data processing responsibilities, including the allocation of data controller and data processor roles, data security obligations, cross-border data transfer requirements (particularly where the franchisor is located outside Qatar), and compliance with direct marketing restrictions (individual\u2019s consent is mandatory prior sending any direct marketing).<\/p>\n<p>In terms of allocation of roles, under the Data Protection Law, a \u201cdata controller\u201d is defined as a natural or legal person who, whether acting individually or jointly with others, determines how personal data may be processed and determines the purpose(s) of any such processing, and a \u201cdata processor\u201d is defined as a natural or legal person who processes personal data for the data controller. In a franchise relationship, the parties should clearly agree and document the allocation of their respective data controller and data processor roles in the franchise agreement and must enter into a data processing agreement (\u201cDPA\u201d).\u00a0 Such DPA must set out the processing details, security measures, sub-processor provisions, audit obligations, end-of-contract data handling requirements, etc.<\/p>\n<p>The use of customer databases must comply with the Data Protection Law, including the requirement to share personal data only on a documented legal basis in compliance with the principles of lawfulness, purpose limitation, data minimization and security, and to clearly address in the franchise agreement the ownership, permitted uses, and post-termination handling of customer data.<\/p>\n<p>The Guidelines specifically address the use of customer databases and provide that: (i) data controllers must refrain from obtaining \u201cdistribution lists\u201d containing email addresses or mobile numbers of individuals, even if such lists are \u201canonymised\u201d; (ii) data controllers must ensure that third parties engaged to send direct marketing on their behalf do not sell personal data, such as contact details of individuals, to other organisations; and (iii) data controllers with existing contact databases must review them for compliance with the Data Protection Law and, if they are unable to demonstrate compliance, must include adequate opt-out mechanisms in all communications and refrain from sending new direct marketing communications until compliance is ensured.<\/p>\n<p>In respect of cross-border transfers, the Data Protection Law permits cross-border data flows provided that the processing complies with the Data Protection Law and does not cause serious damage to the personal data or individual\u2019s privacy. Parties should ensure to enter into the DPA (in data controller-data processor relationship), to identify the legal basis for the transfer, data controllers should conduct the DPIA (Data Privacy Impact Assessment) prior to any cross-border transfers, both parties should implement security measures taken to secure transfers, etc.<\/p>\n<p>In respect of marketing and CRM activities, under the Data Protection Law, any electronic communication for direct marketing purposes is prohibited without the individual\u2019s prior explicit opt-in consent (which must be unambiguous, channel-specific, and easy to withdraw), the communication must identify the originator and include an opt-out mechanism, and the franchise agreement should allocate responsibility between the franchisor and franchisee for obtaining, recording and managing marketing consent.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Is the franchisor permitted to restrict the transfer of (a) the franchisee's rights and obligations under the franchise agreement or (b) the ownership interests in the franchisee?  Can the franchisor impose conditions on transfers (e.g. approval rights, fees, qualification criteria)?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>A franchise agreement can lawfully impose restrictions on rights to transfer the franchisee&#8217;s rights and obligations under the franchise agreement or can impose conditions or consequences for any change of ownership of interests in the franchisee.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">To what extent can a franchisor impose audit rights, reporting obligations, and operational controls on a franchisee, and what legal limits apply?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Such rights and conditions may be imposed provided that the same are documented in contractual documentation.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Does a franchisee have a right to request a renewal on expiration of the initial term? In what circumstances can a franchisor refuse to renew a franchise agreement? If the franchise agreement is not renewed or it if it terminates or expires, is the franchisee entitled to compensation? If so, under what circumstances and how is the compensation payment calculated?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>There is no statutory right to request a renewal but where there is an aspect of commercial agency or distributorship and the relationship is exclusive, then the agent\/distributor has the right to claim compensation for non-renewal or termination where the agent\/distributor can demonstrate that it contributed to a successful business for the products in Qatar. In the unlikely event that a franchise agreement sets no fixed term, then terminating the same will also give rise to such compensation rights.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Are there any mandatory termination rights which may override any contractual termination rights? Is there a minimum notice period that the parties must adhere to?  Are there any requirements regarding notice periods and opportunities to remedy breaches before termination?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Where a contract permits unilateral termination by a party, the Qatar Civil Code will require the contract to specifically acknowledge that this right may be exercised \u201cwithout the need for a court order\u201d, otherwise the right may not be exercisable without court intervention.<\/p>\n<p>There is no statutory minimum notice period and no statutory requirement to offer cure rights.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Are there any intangible assets in the franchisee's business which the franchisee can claim ownership of on expiry or termination, e.g. customer data, local goodwill, etc.<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Any intangible asset of a business of a franchisee will remain with franchisee\u2019s ownership unless the franchise contract reserves or imposes ownership upon the franchisor.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What post-termination obligations are typically enforceable (e.g. de-branding, return of confidential information, non-compete, non-solicitation) and how readily are such post-term restrictions enforced in practice?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Generally, such post termination obligations are lawful. However, Qatar courts are reluctant to provide injunctive relief, preferring to award a sum of monetary damages. As such, it may not always be possible to obtain orders for specific performance unless it can be shown that damages would not be an appropriate remedy. In addition, where a defendant can prove adherence to the specific performance to be impossible or overly onerous, the court may limit the obligation to comply, provided that it does not result in serious damage to the plaintiff. All of the foregoing is treated by the courts on a case-by-case basis.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Is there a national franchising association? Is membership required?  If not, is membership commercially advisable? What are the additional obligations of the national franchising association?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>No.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Are foreign franchisors treated differently to domestic franchisors? Does national law\/regulation impose any debt\/equity restrictions?  Are there any restrictions on the capital structure of a company incorporated in your country with a foreign parent (thin capitalisation rules)?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>There is no statutory provision that would treat foreign franchisors differently to domestic franchisors.<\/p>\n<p>In terms of domestic companies<\/p>\n<p>(a) under the Commercial Companies Law (Law 11 of 2015) a limited liability company must either increase its capital or liquidate the company in circumstances where losses exceed 50% of its issued capital, failing which personal liability for debts may be attributed to the shareholders; and<\/p>\n<p>(b) where foreign shareholding is to exceed 49% of the company\u2019s issued capital, then the consent for the same must be obtained from the Investment Promotion Department of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry which may impose conditions on the grant of such consent depending on the nature of the activities of the company.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Must the franchise agreement be governed by local law?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>No, but note the response to question 31 below.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What dispute resolution procedures are available to franchisors and franchisees?  Are there any advantages to out of court procedures such as arbitration versus litigation, in particular if the franchise agreement is subject to a foreign governing law?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Where a foreign law is applied to a franchise agreement, a Qatar court is empowered to take on jurisdiction over disputes because of a territorial nexus with Qatar. In addition, judgments from foreign courts may not be enforceable in Qatar depending upon whether it can be shown that the jurisdiction in question will enforce Qatari court orders i.e. show reciprocity. However, a Qatar court will generally not exercise such jurisdiction if the dispute is subject to resolution by arbitration provided that the arbitration takes place in a member state of the New York Convention on Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards. As such resolution by arbitration will be the preferred option where foreign law is applied to a franchise agreement.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Must the franchise agreement and disclosure documents be in the local language?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>There are no mandatory disclosure documents. An agreement need not be concluded in the local language, but where the agreement is to be used in a Qatari court a translation into Arabic must be provided to the court who will rely on the same rather than the original language.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Is it possible to sign the franchise agreement using an electronic signature (rather than a wet ink signature)?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Yes. This is permitted by virtue of the E-Commerce Law (Law 16 of 2010).<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Do you foresee any significant commercial or legal developments that might impact on franchise relationships over the next year or so?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>There is a new competition law before the cabinet, but the same is not available for any public consultation and there is no indication as to when the same will come into force.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n<div class=\"word-count-hidden\" style=\"display:none;\">Estimated word count: <span class=\"word-count\">6377<\/span><\/div>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t<\/ol>\r\n\r\n<script type=\"text\/javascript\" src=\"\/wp-content\/themes\/twentyseventeen\/src\/jquery\/components\/filter-guides.js\" async><\/script><\/div>"}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comparative_guide\/150232","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comparative_guide"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/comparative_guide"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=150232"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}