What happens to any proprietary software loaned to the Aw franchisee upon termination or expiration of the franchise agreement?

According to Aw's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, if the franchise agreement is terminated or expires without renewal, the franchisee must immediately stop using any confidential information disclosed during the agreement. This includes proprietary software. The franchisee is obligated to return all copies of the Operations Manual, any proprietary software, and other materials containing Aw's proprietary information that were loaned to them.

This requirement ensures that Aw maintains control over its confidential and proprietary assets, preventing former franchisees from using sensitive information to compete or otherwise benefit unfairly. It is a standard practice in franchising to protect the brand's intellectual property and operational methods.

For a prospective Aw franchisee, this means that access to and use of the proprietary software is strictly limited to the term of the franchise agreement. Upon termination or expiration, all such software must be returned, and the franchisee can no longer use it in any business or other capacity.