After the transfer, expiration, termination, or non-renewal of an Annex Brands franchise, what must the franchisee do with telephone numbers and online listings associated with the brand?
Annex_Brands Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
| Provision | Franchise | Summary |
|---|---|---|
| Agreement | ||
| (h) "Cause" defined- non-curable defaults | 3.A, 14.D and 15.A | On notice: You fail to open your franchise within 365 days after signing the franchise agreement; you do not locate an acceptable site within 365 days after signing the franchise agreement (3.A); you fail to give notice of non-renewal or to satisfy renewal conditions (14.D); you intentionally make material misrepresentations or omissions in your application for the franchise; you are convicted or plead no contest to a felony or crime that may adversely affect your reputation or your franchise's reputation; you make unauthorized use or disclosure of our confidential information; you surrender or transfer control of your franchise in violation of the franchise agreement; you underreport Gross Receipts by 5% at least 3 times; you make unauthorized use of any Mark; your lease or sub-lease is terminated; you fail to complete initial training; or you receive 3 notices of default in a 12-month period (15.A). |
| (i) Your obligations after transfer, expiration, termination or non renewal | 16 and Attachment 11 | After transfer (as applicable), expiration, termination or non-renewal: you must pay sums owed us within 10 days; cease using our Marks; remove signs and other materials with our Marks; de-identify; alter appearance of franchised business, comply with post-term non competition and non-interference covenants; transfer to us all telephone and fax numbers, classified or other telephone and fax directory listings, email addresses, domain names, email marketing programs, social media platforms, online directory listings, other networking platform listings, or other comparable electronic identities, that are associated with our Marks or related to your retail center; cancel fictitious name registrations; return our Manuals; cease use of our confidential information; on our request, furnish to us a copy of center's sales history and customer database for the most recent 2-year period (or shorter if applicable); permit us to enter, operate and attempt to sell your retail center, if we elect. If you do not comply, you also must pay our expenses in enforcing our rights. |
Source: Item 17 — Renewal, Termination, Transfer, and Dispute Resolution (FDD pages 71–74)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Annex Brands's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, after the transfer, expiration, termination, or non-renewal of a franchise agreement, the franchisee has specific obligations regarding telephone numbers and online listings. The franchisee must transfer to Annex Brands all telephone and fax numbers, classified or other telephone and fax directory listings, email addresses, domain names, email marketing programs, social media platforms, online directory listings, other networking platform listings, or other comparable electronic identities. These must be associated with Annex Brands's marks or related to the retail center.
This requirement ensures that Annex Brands maintains control over its brand identity and customer communications even after a franchise ceases operation. By transferring these assets, the franchisee prevents potential confusion among customers and ensures a smooth transition for the brand. This is a fairly standard practice in franchising, as franchisors need to protect their brand and customer relationships.
Additionally, the franchisee must cancel any fictitious name registrations associated with the business. Failure to comply with these post-termination obligations could result in Annex Brands taking legal action to enforce its rights, and the franchisee would be responsible for covering the associated expenses. Therefore, it is crucial for franchisees to understand and adhere to these requirements to avoid potential legal and financial repercussions.