Is an Aw franchisee allowed to use advertising or promotional materials that have been disapproved by the franchisor?
Aw Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
ials not prepared or previously approved by us, and all proposed content for any Internet or social media advertising or promotion, must be submitted to us for approval. If you do not receive our written approval within thirty (30) days from the date we receive the materials, the materials will be deemed to have been disapproved. You may not use any advertising or promotional materials that we have disapproved. All advertising you use must be completely factual, in good taste (as determined in our sole discretion), and must conform to the highest standards of ethical advertising.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD pages 39–40)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Aw's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are explicitly prohibited from using any advertising or promotional materials that have been disapproved by Aw. If a franchisee submits advertising or promotional materials to Aw for approval, and does not receive written approval within thirty (30) days from the date Aw receives the materials, the materials will be considered disapproved.
Aw mandates that all advertising used by franchisees must be completely factual, in good taste (as determined by Aw), and conform to the highest standards of ethical advertising. Franchisees must avoid any advertising, marketing, or promotion that could be harmful to the Papa Ray's Pizza Restaurant, Aw's business, the goodwill associated with the Marks, or other Papa Ray's Pizza Restaurant franchisees.
This requirement ensures brand consistency and protects Aw's reputation. It also gives Aw control over how its brand is presented to the public, minimizing the risk of misleading or inappropriate advertising. Franchisees need to be proactive in submitting their advertising materials for approval well in advance of any planned campaigns to avoid delays or potential disapproval.