If Aw develops proprietary software, what is a franchisee required to do?
Aw Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
If we develop proprietary software for use by the franchise system, we can require you to use the software, purchase hardware to support it, enter into a Software License Agreement, and to pay the then current published license fees.
Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS AND TRAINING (FDD pages 22–29)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Aw's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, if Aw develops proprietary software for the franchise system, franchisees may be required to take specific actions. Aw can mandate that franchisees use the new software, purchase the necessary hardware to support it, enter into a Software License Agreement, and pay the then-current published license fees.
This means that franchisees must be prepared to invest further in their business if Aw introduces new proprietary software. The costs could include not only the price of the software license itself, but also the expense of purchasing new hardware to run the software. Additionally, franchisees will be legally bound by the terms of the Software License Agreement, which may include restrictions on use, liability, and other important factors.
It is important for prospective franchisees to consider these potential future costs and obligations when evaluating the Aw franchise opportunity. They should inquire about the likelihood of new software development, the potential costs involved, and the terms of the Software License Agreement to fully understand the financial and operational implications.