Upon the expiration, termination, non-renewal, or transfer of an Annex Brands franchise, what does the franchisee irrevocably appoint and designate the franchisor (or any regional licensee) to do regarding telephone and fax numbers relating to the Center?

According to the 2025 Annex Brands Franchise Disclosure Document, upon the expiration, termination, non-renewal, or transfer of a franchise, the franchisee irrevocably appoints and designates Annex Brands (or any regional licensee) as their attorney-in-fact. This appointment grants Annex Brands the authority to direct any telephone service provider to change, transfer, and/or terminate any and all listed telephone and fax numbers associated with the Center.

This also extends to the franchisee's internet presence. Annex Brands is authorized to direct any Internet service provider or comparable authorities to change, transfer, and/or terminate any email addresses, domain names, email marketing programs, social media platforms, online directory listings, other networking platform listings, or other comparable electronic identities that may use or include the Marks or relate to the Center. The franchisee specifically authorizes Annex Brands (or any regional licensee) to execute any legal document on the franchisee's behalf to carry out the intent of this authorization and agrees to provide any other assistance, documentation, or information required to effectuate the transfer of the above noted items.

This provision ensures that Annex Brands maintains control over the brand's identity and customer communications, even after a franchise changes ownership or ceases operation. For a prospective franchisee, this means that upon leaving the Annex Brands system, they will relinquish all rights to the phone numbers, fax numbers, and online identities associated with the business. This is a standard practice in franchising to protect brand consistency and prevent confusion among customers.