Under what circumstances can Annex Brands withdraw its consent for a franchisee's website?
Annex_Brands Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
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withdrawn by Franchisor, if Franchisor later determines in its sole discretion that circumstances have changed, effective upon giving Franchisee 30 days' prior written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.)
- LIMITATIONS ON FRANCHISEE'S USE OF MARKS.
Franchisee agrees to use the Marks as the sole identifiers of the Center, provided that Franchisee will identify himself, herself or themselves as the independent owner of the Center in the manner prescribed by Franchisor.
Without Franchisor's prior written consent, Franchisee will not use any Mark as part of any corporate, partnership, firm or other formal business name, website address, domain name, email address or other identification in any print, digital, electronic or other medium, including email marketing programs, social media platforms, online directory listings, and other networking platforms, or with any prefix, suffix, or other modifying words, terms, designs or symbols, or in any modified form (see Attachment 8). (The terms "Franchisor's prior written consent" and "our prior written consent", as used in this Agreement and its Attachments, mean consent that is given by Franchisor based on then-current circumstances, but that may be withdrawn by Franchisor, if Franchisor later determines in its sole discretion that circumstances have changed, effective upon giving Franchisee 30 days' prior written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.) Franchisee may not use any Mark in connection with the sale or performance of any unauthorized products or services, or in any other manner not expressly authorized in writing by Franchisor.
Source: Item 22 — Contracts (FDD pages 109–110)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Annex Brands's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Annex Brands can withdraw its consent for a franchisee's website if they determine that circumstances have changed since the initial consent was given. This determination is made at Annex Brands's sole discretion.
Annex Brands must provide the franchisee with 30 days' prior written notice before withdrawing consent. This allows the franchisee time to adjust their website or other online presence to comply with Annex Brands's requirements.
This clause applies to any website or equivalent electronic advertising that utilizes Annex Brands's marks. It also applies to the use of Annex Brands's marks as part of any website address, domain name, email address, or other identification in any print, digital, electronic, or other medium. This includes email marketing programs, social media platforms, and online directory listings.
This provision gives Annex Brands significant control over how its brand is represented online by franchisees. Prospective franchisees should carefully consider this and discuss with Annex Brands what specific circumstances might lead to a withdrawal of consent.