Our Firm
Focused Practice, Considered Advice
Keris Legal was founded on the conviction that specialist practice produces better outcomes than generalism. We work in franchise and licensing law — and nothing else.
Back to HomeOur Story
Built Around One Area of Law
Keris Legal was established in Singapore with a clear purpose: to provide substantive legal counsel to businesses navigating the practical and legal dimensions of franchising and intellectual property licensing. The name Keris — a reference to the distinctive Malay ceremonial blade — reflects the firm's values of precision, craftsmanship, and cultural rootedness in the region it serves.
The franchise and licensing sector in Singapore and ASEAN has grown considerably over the past decade. Brands from food and beverage, education, retail, and technology are expanding across borders, and the legal infrastructure required to support that expansion — well-constructed agreements, disclosure frameworks, IP protection strategies — has become correspondingly more sophisticated.
We work with both sides of franchise relationships: franchisors building networks who need documentation that protects brand integrity, and franchisees evaluating proposed terms who want an independent view of what they are committing to. On the licensing side, we assist technology companies, consumer brands, and content owners in structuring arrangements that define the scope and conditions of IP use clearly and fairly.
Mission
To deliver clear, practical legal counsel that helps businesses structure franchise and licensing arrangements they can rely on — arrangements that reflect both present intentions and long-term commercial realities.
Approach
We aim to understand the commercial context before offering legal advice. A well-constructed franchise agreement is one that works for the relationship it governs — not simply one that protects one party at the expense of the other.
Regional Focus
Singapore is our base, but many of our clients operate or intend to operate across ASEAN. We are familiar with the disclosure and registration requirements of markets including Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam.
Our People
The Team
Our lawyers combine legal qualifications with hands-on experience in franchise transactions and IP commercialisation across Southeast Asia.
Lim Teck Wei
Principal Solicitor · Franchise Law
Called to the Singapore Bar with extensive experience advising on franchise network structures and cross-border expansion. Has acted for both multi-unit franchisors and independent franchisees across the food, education, and healthcare sectors.
Nadia Sulaiman
Senior Associate · IP Licensing
Specialises in intellectual property commercialisation, with a focus on trademark licensing and technology transfer agreements. Advises consumer brands and software companies on licence structuring and cross-border royalty arrangements.
Rajesh Chandrasekaran
Associate · Disclosure & Compliance
Focuses on franchise disclosure documentation and regulatory compliance across ASEAN jurisdictions. Assists franchisors preparing to enter markets with specific pre-contractual disclosure obligations, including Malaysia and the Philippines.
Standards
How We Work
The standards we hold ourselves to on every engagement.
Singapore Law Society Compliance
All solicitors hold practising certificates issued by the Law Society of Singapore. We adhere to the Professional Conduct Rules in every client engagement.
FLA Singapore Code of Ethics
We are familiar with the Franchising and Licensing Association Singapore's code of ethics and apply its principles when advising on fair and transparent franchise relationships.
Client Confidentiality
Strict confidentiality obligations apply to all client information. We maintain appropriate document security protocols and do not share client details with third parties without consent.
Transparent Fee Communication
Fees are discussed clearly before work commences. We provide written engagement letters setting out the scope of work and applicable charges, with no hidden costs.
Cross-Border Awareness
Where matters involve foreign jurisdictions, we work alongside local counsel or refer clients to appropriate specialists, rather than advising on areas outside our competence.
Clear Communication
We aim to communicate in plain language, free of unnecessary technical jargon. Complex legal issues are explained clearly so clients can make informed decisions about their matters.
Expertise & Values
Franchise & Licensing Law in Singapore and ASEAN
Singapore occupies a distinct position as a regional hub for franchise and licensing activity. Its contract law framework, intellectual property regime, and business infrastructure make it a natural base for companies structuring arrangements that span multiple ASEAN markets. Keris Legal works with this environment daily — understanding not only the Singapore legal context but the practical realities of operating across a region with diverse regulatory requirements.
Franchise agreements drafted in Singapore often need to accommodate operational realities across Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, and beyond. Disclosure obligations, franchise registration requirements, and IP filing procedures vary from market to market. Our team stays current with these variations and advises clients on how to structure their documentation to travel well across borders.
For licensing transactions, the interaction between Singapore's intellectual property framework and cross-border royalty flows requires careful attention. The withholding tax treatment of royalty payments, the scope of licences under Singapore trade marks and copyright law, and the drafting of quality control provisions that satisfy both legal and commercial requirements are areas where Keris Legal brings consistent focus.
We value long-term relationships with clients who are building their franchise networks or IP portfolios over time. Many clients come to us at the early stages of their franchise journey and continue to work with us as their networks develop, their disclosure documents require updating, or their licensing arrangements evolve.
Work With Us
A Conversation is a Good Place to Start
We welcome initial enquiries from franchisors, franchisees, and businesses with licensing matters — whether your need is immediate or you are still at the planning stage.
Get in Touch