Does Annex Brands require approval of franchisee websites that utilize the Marks before publication?
Annex_Brands Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
. Your Website. We must approve any website (or equivalent electronic advertising) that utilizes the Marks before publication and approve any modification prior to publishing updates. If we establish our website, we will prepare and post a designated area on our website for the purpose of promoting your Center ("your website"). Your website will be accessible without charge to anyone with access to the Internet. You may not maintain another website without our prior written consent. (The terms "Franchisor's prior written consent", and "our prior written consent", as used in the franchise agreement, and its attachments, and this Agreement, mean consent that is given by Franchisor based on then-current circumstances, but that may be
withdrawn by Franchisor, if Franchisor later determines in its sole discretion that circumstances have changed, effective upon giving Franchisee 30 days' prior written notice of withdrawal.)
- (a) Standard Web Pages. The initial fee for creation and posting of standard web pages is currently included in your technology services fee, but we reserve the right to change this in the future. We will design the content of standard web pages.
- (b) Customized Standard Web Pages or Website. If we offer customization services, you may request us to customize portions of your standard web pages or create a customized website for you. We will not commence any design or programming work for you that will entail additional charges without your prior written approval.
Source: Item 22 — Contracts (FDD pages 109–110)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Annex Brands' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, any website or electronic advertising that uses Annex Brands' trademarks (the Marks) requires approval from Annex Brands before it is published. Furthermore, any modifications to the website must also be approved before updates are published. This policy ensures that the brand's image and trademarks are used correctly and consistently across all franchisee websites.
Annex Brands may establish its own website and post a designated area to promote the franchisee's center. Franchisees cannot maintain another website without prior written consent from Annex Brands. The initial fee for creating and posting standard web pages is included in the technology services fee, but Annex Brands reserves the right to change this in the future. Annex Brands will design the content of standard web pages, but franchisees may request customization services for an additional fee.
Annex Brands owns all advertising space on the franchisee's web pages or website and may advertise the franchisee's web pages or website as part of its own promotional efforts. Annex Brands may also include advertising or links to third-party websites within the franchisee's web pages or website. Franchisees must notify Annex Brands of any websites that feature or list them as a franchisee. These measures allow Annex Brands to maintain control over its brand's online presence and marketing strategies.
These stipulations are typical in franchising, as franchisors need to protect their brand identity and ensure consistent messaging. For a prospective Annex Brands franchisee, this means they will need to work closely with the franchisor on their website and online advertising efforts to ensure compliance with Annex Brands' standards and policies. Franchisees should factor in potential costs for website customization and ongoing maintenance, as well as the time required to obtain approvals for website content and updates.