Does the Aw franchise agreement require the franchisee to assign all rights to websites using the Aw Marks to the company after termination?
Aw Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- (e) assign to us or our designee all of your right, title and interest in and to any domain name registrations, any web sites, and any listings or presence on any social media platforms or social media networks, or other presence on the internet using the Marks, including passwords and account manager access, and shall promptly notify the necessary parties of the termination of your license to use the Marks, and therefore, your right to use any domain name, website, or other presence on the internet using the Marks, and to authorize a transfer of same to us or our designee;
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD pages 39–40)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Aw Franchise Disclosure Document, upon termination or expiration of the franchise agreement, the franchisee is required to assign all rights to websites using Aw's marks to the company. This includes the transfer of domain name registrations, websites, social media presence, and related access information like passwords.
Specifically, the franchisee must transfer any domain names, websites, and social media accounts that utilize Aw's marks to Aw or its designee. This ensures that Aw maintains control over its brand and online presence after a franchise agreement ends. The franchisee is also obligated to notify relevant parties, such as domain registrars and social media platforms, about the termination of their license to use Aw's marks, and to authorize the transfer of these online assets.
This requirement is fairly standard in franchising. It prevents former franchisees from using the brand's online identity to operate a competing business or otherwise confuse customers. By requiring the transfer of these digital assets, Aw protects its brand and ensures a clean break when a franchise agreement concludes.