Can a Bambu franchisee develop their own Internet advertising without Bambu's consent?
Bambu Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- 13.6 Electronic Advertising.
Franchisee shall not develop, create, distribute, disseminate or use any Internet advertising or website, social media or networking account, or any multimedia, telecommunication, mass electronic mail, facsimile or audio/visual advertising, promotional or marketing materials, directly or indirectly related to the Bambū shoppe, the Marks, or the Bambū system ("Electronic Advertising") without Bambu's prior written consent which may be withheld in Bambu's sole discretion.
Bambu shall retain the exclusive right to develop and control the content of all Electronic Advertising for the Bambū shoppes.
Franchisee acknowledges that Bambu shall own all Electronic Advertising related to or associated with the Marks and Bambū system including, without limitation, databases of customer email addresses and other customer information.
Franchisee shall set up all social media accounts Bambu recommends, including utilizing a standardized third-party social media management technology.
Bambu requires Franchisee to participate in certain designated Electronic Advertising programs and Franchisee agrees to do so in strict compliance with Bambu's policies and rules regarding the creation, maintenance, use and content of such Electronic Advertising as set forth in this Agreement, the FRC Materials or an Electronic Advertising code of conduct that Bambu may develop, disseminate and modify from time to time.
Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 52–209)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Bambu's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are restricted from independently creating and using internet advertising. Specifically, a Bambu franchisee cannot develop, create, distribute, disseminate, or use any internet advertising or website, social media or networking account, or any multimedia, telecommunication, mass electronic mail, facsimile or audio/visual advertising, promotional or marketing materials, directly or indirectly related to the Bambū shoppe, the Marks, or the Bambū system without Bambu's prior written consent. This consent can be withheld at Bambu's sole discretion.
Bambu retains the exclusive right to develop and control the content of all electronic advertising for Bambu shops. This includes ownership of all electronic advertising related to the brand and system, including customer email databases and other customer information. Franchisees are required to set up social media accounts that Bambu recommends, utilizing standardized third-party social media management technology.
Furthermore, franchisees must participate in designated electronic advertising programs in strict compliance with Bambu's policies and rules. These policies cover the creation, maintenance, use, and content of such advertising, as outlined in the franchise agreement, FRC Materials, or an electronic advertising code of conduct that Bambu may develop and modify. This ensures that all online advertising aligns with the brand's standards and marketing strategies, maintaining a consistent image and message across all locations.