Does IHG have the right to change the Brand System for Atwell Suites, and if so, how?
Atwell_Suites Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
The Standards and all changes to the Standards may be presented in any format, including but not limited to print, electronic or other media. IHG has the right to periodically change the Brand System by adding, modifying, altering and/or deleting elements of the Brand System. "Brand System Hotel(s)" means the hotel(s) operated by IHG, an Affiliate of IHG, or a licensee or franchisee of IHG under the Brand System in any of the fifty (50) states of the United States of America, the District of Columbia, or Canada, and does not include any other hotel operated under a different brand or any other business operation of IHG. An "Affiliate" means, as to any Entity, any division, subsidiary, parent or other Entity that, directly or indirectly, Controls, is Controlled by or is under common Control with such Entity.
Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 99–486)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Atwell Suites Franchise Disclosure Document, IHG has the right to periodically change the Brand System by adding, modifying, altering, and/or deleting elements. The Brand System includes all elements designed to identify Atwell Suites hotels to the public, elements associated with those hotels, and elements that identify or reflect the quality standards and business practices of such hotels, as specified in the License or designated by IHG.
The Brand System includes items such as the "Atwell Suites™" trademark, service marks like "IHG One Rewards" and "IHG Concerto™", construction standards, specifications and policies for hotel operations, interior and exterior design standards, intellectual property, domain names, technology systems, loyalty programs, sales and catering systems, call centers, reservation offices, marketing services, training programs, and inspection programs.
IHG's judgment in maintaining high standards of quality, cleanliness, appearance, design, and service at all hotels using the Atwell Suites Brand System is controlling. The Atwell Suites hotels are subject to the Standards, which IHG may modify or revise from time to time, including limited exceptions based on local conditions, type of hotel, or special circumstances. These standards and any modifications can be delivered in hard copy or digitally, with the franchisee bearing any costs to access digital versions. Licensees must adhere to these changes, and the standards remain confidential and the property of IHG.