Does the Aw franchise agreement require the franchisee to notify social media platforms of the termination of their license to use the Marks?

According to Aw's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, upon termination of the franchise agreement, franchisees are required to take certain actions regarding their online presence and use of Aw's trademarks. Specifically, the franchisee must assign to Aw all rights to any domain name registrations, websites, and listings on social media platforms that use Aw's marks. This includes providing passwords and account manager access.

Furthermore, the franchisee is obligated to promptly notify the necessary parties, including social media platforms, about the termination of their license to use Aw's marks. This notification is to inform these platforms that the franchisee no longer has the right to use any domain name, website, or other online presence associated with Aw's marks. The franchisee must also authorize the transfer of these online assets to Aw or its designee.

This requirement ensures that Aw maintains control over its brand and online presence after a franchise agreement ends. It prevents former franchisees from continuing to use Aw's trademarks or representing themselves as affiliated with Aw, which could cause confusion among customers. The franchisee must furnish evidence of compliance with these obligations within 30 days of the termination date.

In the event that the franchisee fails to comply with these requirements, Aw has the authority to act as the franchisee's attorney-in-fact to direct the transfer of the domain names, websites, and social media accounts. This provision underscores the importance of the franchisee's cooperation in transferring these assets and notifying the relevant platforms.