Under what circumstances is an Angry Chickz franchisee permitted to use the Marks in connection with the internet?
Angry_Chickz Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
8.6 Internet.
8.6.1 Franchisee shall not develop, create, generate, own, license, lease, participate in, or use in any manner any computer medium or electronic medium (including any internet web-page, e-mail address, website, domain name, bulletin board, social media site or publication, mobile application, bulletin board, newsgroup or other internet-related medium or activity) which medium, or any sponsor or promoter of such medium uses or displays the Marks, or any confusingly similar words, symbols or terms without Company's prior written consent, and then only in such manner and in accordance with the Standards.
The term "uses or displays" includes any activity by the medium or any person acting in furtherance of, or on behalf of the medium, pursuant to which existing or prospective customers, Suppliers, licensees or franchisees or others are solicited or directed to the medium through the use of the Marks or by other direct or indirect reference to Company.
Franchisee acknowledges that Company has the exclusive unrestricted right to manufacture, produce, license, sell, distribute and/or market products and services (whether or not under the Marks) by means of the internet or internet website.
Company may establish sales programs from time to time whereby customers can purchase certain products or services online.
- 15.1.6 If Company had authorized Franchisee to use the Marks in connection with the internet, any website or e-mail address, or social media Franchisee shall cancel or assign to Company or its designate, as Company directs, all of Franchisee's right, title and interest in any internet websites or web pages, email addresses, social media listings, domain name listings and registrations which contain the Marks, or any of them, and Franchisee shall notify the persons and Entities of the termination of Franchisee's right to use any domain name, web page, social media listing, and other internet device associated with Company or the Franchised Business, and authorize and instruct their cancellation or transfer to Company, as directed by Company.
For the avoidance of doubt, nothing in this Section shall be deemed to permit Franchisee to use the Marks, or any of them in connection with the internet, except with the prior consent of Company.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 54)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Angry Chickz Franchise Disclosure Document, a franchisee can only use the Angry Chickz Marks on the internet with the company's prior written consent and in accordance with the standards set by Angry Chickz. The franchisee is prohibited from developing, creating, owning, or using any online medium that displays the Marks or anything confusingly similar without this consent. This includes websites, email addresses, social media, and mobile applications. The term "uses or displays" includes any activity by the medium that solicits or directs customers, suppliers, licensees, or franchisees through the use of the Marks.
Angry Chickz retains the exclusive right to manufacture, produce, license, sell, distribute, and market products and services online, whether or not these use the Marks. This means that while a franchisee may be allowed to operate a website or social media page featuring the Angry Chickz brand with permission, the company has ultimate control over online sales and marketing strategies.
Upon termination of the franchise agreement, Angry Chickz also has specific requirements regarding the franchisee's internet presence. The franchisee must cancel or assign to Angry Chickz all rights to any websites, web pages, email addresses, social media listings, and domain names that contain the Marks. They must also notify relevant parties of the termination of their right to use these online assets and authorize their cancellation or transfer to Angry Chickz, as directed by the company. This ensures that Angry Chickz maintains control over its brand and online presence even after a franchise agreement ends.
In practical terms, this means a prospective Angry Chickz franchisee needs to be aware that their online activities related to the franchise are heavily controlled by Angry Chickz. They cannot independently create websites or social media campaigns using the brand without explicit approval. This level of control is common in franchising to maintain brand consistency and protect the franchisor's intellectual property. Franchisees should discuss with Angry Chickz what support and guidance is offered for online marketing and how much autonomy they will have in this area.