Local operator Luxottica Franchising Australia, which trades as eyewear retailers OPSM and Laubman & Pank, has paid a penalty of $19,800 after Australia’s consumer watchdog issued it with an infringement notice.
According to the ACCC, Luxottica allegedly breached the Franchising Code of Conduct by failing to maintain an up-to-date profile on the Franchise Disclosure Register. The register provides prospective franchise buyers, existing franchisees and professional advisers information about franchise systems.
“It is important that interested businesses and individuals can access clear and reliable information about a franchise so they can make informed business decisions, including whether they should enter into a franchise agreement with a franchisor,” ACCC deputy chair Mick Keogh said.
“Failure to update the register compromises transparency and may mislead prospective franchisees, so all franchisors should be aware of their obligations to comply with the Code and update their profiles annually with accurate information.”
“The ACCC will continue to examine the register for potential failures by franchisors to meet their obligations under the Code and take enforcement action where appropriate.”
Luxottica acknowledged it had failed to update its register by May 2025 as required.
“We are pleased Luxottica is now compliant and has reviewed its internal processes to avoid future oversight,” Keogh said.
Luxottica is a subsidiary of EssilorLuxottica. It manages Australian franchise operations, including eyewear retail brands OPSM and Laubman & Pank.
Luxottica has 21 franchisees and 387 franchisor-owned or operated units.
In September 2018, Luxottica provided a commitment to the ACCC to be more transparent about the structure and operation of its franchise system to franchisees, after an ACCC investigation found Luxottica’s marketing fund financial statement and disclosure document were unlikely to comply with the Franchising Code of Conduct.