What happens to domain name registrations and websites using the Aw Marks upon termination or expiration?
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 must assign all rights and interests in any domain name registrations and websites using Aw's marks to Aw or its designee. This includes providing passwords and account manager access. The franchisee is also required to notify the necessary parties about the termination of their license to use Aw's marks, which revokes their right to use any domain name, website, or other online presence using those marks.
This means that if a franchisee has registered a domain name or created a website that incorporates Aw's trademarks, they must transfer ownership and control of these assets to Aw when the franchise agreement ends. This transfer ensures that Aw maintains control over its brand and online presence.
This requirement is fairly standard in franchising, as franchisors need to protect their brand identity and ensure consistent representation across all online platforms. A prospective Aw franchisee should be aware that they will not retain any online assets they develop using the Aw brand if they leave the system.