What must a 7 Brew franchisee do with advertising and promotional materials they want to use?
7_Brew Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
We do not require you to spend any minimum amount to advertise and promote your Store locally. We do not have the right to require the formation of advertising cooperatives, and there are none. All Marketing Materials and advertising, marketing, and promotional activities must be legal and not misleading and conform to our policies. To protect the goodwill that we and our affiliates have accumulated in the "7 BREW" name and other Marks, before using them you must send us samples or proofs of all Marketing Materials that we did not prepare or already approve or that we prepared or approved but you want to change in any way. You may not use any
Marketing Materials that we have not approved or have disapproved. We have the right upon 30 days' prior written notice to require you to stop using any previously-approved Marketing Materials. (Franchise Agreement – Section 13.B)
Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS, AND TRAINING (FDD pages 34–45)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to 7 Brew's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, a franchisee must adhere to specific guidelines regarding advertising and promotional materials. Before using any marketing materials that 7 Brew has not prepared or already approved, or if the franchisee wants to change previously approved materials, they must submit samples or proofs to 7 Brew for approval. The franchisee is prohibited from using any marketing materials that 7 Brew has not approved or has explicitly disapproved. Furthermore, 7 Brew retains the right to demand that a franchisee discontinue using any previously approved marketing materials, providing 30 days' prior written notice.
This requirement ensures that all marketing and advertising efforts align with 7 Brew's brand standards and protect the goodwill associated with the "7 BREW" name and other marks. This control allows 7 Brew to maintain a consistent brand image and message across all franchise locations, which is a common practice in franchising to ensure brand uniformity and customer recognition.
The franchisee is responsible for ensuring that all marketing and promotional activities are legal, not misleading, and conform to 7 Brew's policies. This includes digital marketing and social media, which require prior written approval from 7 Brew before the franchisee can mention or describe the store or display any marks. These regulations are in place to protect the brand's reputation and ensure that all marketing efforts are in compliance with legal and ethical standards.
These stipulations are important for prospective franchisees to consider, as they highlight the level of control 7 Brew maintains over marketing and advertising. Franchisees need to factor in the time and potential costs associated with obtaining approval for marketing materials and adapting to any changes in brand standards or marketing policies. This oversight helps maintain brand consistency but also requires franchisees to work closely with 7 Brew to ensure their local marketing efforts are aligned with the overall brand strategy.