What standards of operation and appearance must an Aplus franchisee comply with?

9. MANUAL

9.1. Loan by Franchisor

While this Agreement is in effect, Franchisor shall lend to Franchisee one digital or paper copy of the Manual. The Manual shall be treated as an integral and material part of this Agreement. The Manual sets forth procedures, standards, methods, specifications, and requirements for the operation of the APLUS Store and your Franchised Business. Franchisee shall conduct the Franchised Business in strict accordance with the provisions set forth in the Manual. The Manual may consist of one or more separate manuals and other materials as designated by Franchisor and may be in written or electronic form. The Manual shall, at all times, remain the sole property of Franchisor and shall promptly be returned to Franchisor upon expiration or termination of this Agreement, and Franchisee shall destroy any copies (electronic or otherwise) of the Manual in its possession.

9.2. Revisions

13.2. Appearance and Condition of the Franchised Business

Franchisee shall comply with the housekeeping and maintenance provisions in the Manual regarding the Premises, the APLUS Store, the Store Equipment, and if applicable, the Loaned Store Equipment. Franchisee shall comply with all repair, replacement, health, safety, and security standards and specifications of Franchisor and any applicable laws or regulations. The expense of such maintenance shall be borne by Franchisee and shall be in addition to any required System modifications, as described in Section 10.2.

11.5. Advertising Pre-Approval

Franchisee shall submit to Franchisor, for its prior approval, all advertising and promotional materials to be used by Franchisee including, but not limited to, billboards, television ads, radio ads, ad copy, coupons, flyers, scripts, sponsorships, and direct mail. Franchisor shall use reasonable efforts to provide notice of approval or disapproval within thirty (30) days from the date all requested material is received by Franchisor. If Franchisor does not approve submitted materials by the end of such thirty (30) day period, such materials shall be deemed to have not received the required approval. Franchisee shall not use any marketing or promotional material prior to written approval by Franchisor.

11.6. Promotion

Franchisee shall operate the Franchised Business so that it is clearly identified and advertised as an APLUS Store. Franchisee shall use the trademark "APLUS" and the other Marks which now or hereafter may form a part of the System, on all signs, suppliers, business cards, uniforms, advertising materials, Technology platforms, signs and other articles in the identical combination and manner as the Franchisor may prescribe in writing and Franchisee shallsupply to the Franchisorsamples and photographs of the same upon Franchisor's request. Franchisee shall comply with all trademark, trade name, service mark and copyright notice marking requirements and Franchisee shall ssupply to the Franchisor samples or photographs upon Franchisor's request.

13.20. Legal Compliance

In addition to complying with its obligations under this Agreement, you shall comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, regulations, ordinances, and orders. Such laws, rules, regulations, ordinances, and orders vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction and may be amended or implemented or interpreted in a different manner from time to time. It is your sole responsibility to apprise itself of the existence and requirements of all such laws, rules, regulations, ordinances, and orders and to adhere to them at all times during the term of this Agreement. Failure to comply with applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, regulations, ordinances, and orders is a material breach of this Agreement and Franchisor reserves the right to terminate this Agreement immediately for cause and without an opportunity to cure.

Source: Item 23 — RECEIPT (FDD pages 68–302)