Future-Proofing Your Pilates Business
Whether or not you’re focused on growth, every Pilates business can benefit from being strong, sustainable and legally protected. Think of it as building your business core strength!
Get Your Structure Right
When you’re first starting out, it’s tempting to set up as a sole trader. Register an ABN, use your personal bank account, and get moving.
But this setup can leave you exposed. A sole trader isn’t a separate legal entity. That means if something goes wrong, say a client is injured and sues, or you can’t pay a supplier, you may be personally liable. This means your own assets and savings could be at risk.
Beyond liability, a sole trader structure isn’t ideal for future growth. If you decide to bring in a partner or investor, there’s no easy way for them to “buy in.” To do that, you’ll need a company.
A company, by contrast, is its own legal entity. It can sue and be sued, offering a protective layer between your business and your personal assets (as long as you meet your directors’ duties and avoid giving personal guarantees). Plus, a company structure can be tailored for tax effectiveness and future expansion.
Protect Your Intellectual Property
Picture this: you’ve spent years developing your unique Pilates programs and brand identity, only to have a competitor copy your work and claim it as their own.
Once your structure is set, it’s time to protect your valuable creations - your intellectual property (IP).
Start by identifying what your IP actually is. This can include your business name, logo, course materials, online content or even signature class formats. Some of this protection arises automatically, but for the strongest coverage, you may need to register it. For example, trade marks must be registered with IP Australia to give you exclusive rights in your category of goods or services.
Scaling Up
If you’re ready to scale, congratulations - you’ve already done the groundwork. But while many studios focus on marketing or financial strategies, your legal strategy needs to be part of that same flow.
Your legal checklist might include:
Locking in exclusive supplier or distribution agreements
Setting up a compliance plan for marketing, consumer and privacy laws
Reviewing your IP protection and commercialisation options
Reassessing your corporate structure as your business evolves
A strong legal strategy works in harmony with your business goals, not against them. The key is finding a lawyer who not only knows the technical side, but also understands your broader business direction.
Because just like in Pilates, alignment is everything.
Future-proofing your Pilates business isn’t just about reacting to challenges - it’s about creating stability, flexibility and strength at every level. By setting up the right structure, protecting your intellectual property, and aligning your legal strategy with your business goals, you’ll give your studio the solid foundation it needs to thrive.
Marianne Marchesi is the Director of Legalite an award-winning Australian law firm that makes legal simple — helping Pilates studios and wellness businesses grow with confidence through clear, practical, and people-first advice. Find out more ttps://legalite.com.au