Philip Colman
BJuris, LLB

Email:	philip.colman@mst.com.au
Direct Line:	+61 3 8540 0240
Mobile:	0417 438 259
Vcard:	Download vcard
Assistant:	Lindy Crisp

Philip is a Principal.  His approach to any matter is to gain a full understanding of all relevant facts then provide both a legal and commercial strategy aimed at and maximising the return for the client.  This may range from an aggressive litigation strategy to a more passive negotiating strategy.  Philip has successfully handled a number of landmark cases involving some of Australia's leading corporations relating to franchising and trade practices issues.

Philip's practice focuses on:

• representing individuals and all types of businesses, locally and internationally, involved in all types of commercial and intellectual property disputes at different levels (negotiation, mediation, arbitration, trial litigation and appeals)
• assisting his clients in recovering outstanding debts and dealing with difficult customers
• representing local and international franchisors and franchisees in relation to:
  
  • Franchising Code of Conduct compliance
  • Trade Practices Act compliance
  • drafting and reviewing commercial agreements, including Disclosure Documents, Intellectual Property Licence Agreements, Supply Agreements, Sale of Business Agreements and Finance Agreements
    
  • disputes

In 1993 Philip gained specialist accreditation from the Law Institute of Victoria in commercial litigation.  Since 2003 Philip has been a member of the Law Institute's Commercial Litigation Advisory Committee, which sets examinations and assesses candidates for like specialist accreditation, and from 2010 will chair that committee.

Philip is a qualified mediator and is on the panel of mediators under the Franchising Code of Conduct.  He has represented many clients involved in mediation, whether they are Court ordered, privately arranged or required under the Franchising Code of Conduct.

Philip served for a number of years on the Victorian Chapter Committee of the Franchising Council of Australia, the peak body representing the franchising sector in Australia.

He has also had a significant involvement in the organisation of Legal Symposia conducted by the Franchising Council of Australia and as a speaker at those Symposia.

Philip's key areas are:

Dispute Resolution & Litigation
Mediation
Franchising
Insolvency & Reconstruction
Distribution & Licensing
International
Intellectual Property
Construction & Engineering
Commercial Property
Corporate Advisory
Retail
Manufacturing