Is the Brand Development Fund Fee mandatory for Bang Cookies franchisees?

[Item 23: RECEIPTS]

• (1) If Franchisor institutes the Brand Development Fund, Franchisee shall pay, on the Due Date, a mandatory and continuing fee to the Brand Development Fund in an amount equal to a percentage of Gross Sales (as determined and designated by Franchisor in Franchisor's Reasonable Business Judgment) for each weekly Accounting Period (the "Brand Development Fund Fee"), provided, however, Franchisee will not be required to contribute more than 2% of the Gross Sales of the Franchised Business for each weekly Accounting Period;

• (2) Franchisor will provide Franchisee with written notice of the percentage of Gross Sales that Franchisee is required to contribute to the Brand Development Fund.

Upon such written notice to Franchisee, the percentage of Gross Sales to be paid by Franchisee to the Brand Development Fund will be applicable for each and every weekly Accounting Period thereafter during the Term until otherwise designated by Franchisor in writing.

The Brand Development Fund Fee shall be paid to Franchisor on the Due Date and in accordance with the payment terms and method set forth in Article 5.B. for the payment of Royalty Fees;

• (3) Franchisor, in Franchisor's Reasonable Business Judgment, shall direct all advertising, media placement, marketing and public relations programs and activities financed by the Brand Development Fund, with sole discretion over the strategic direction, creative concepts, materials, and endorsements used by the Brand Development Fund, and the geographic, market, and media placement and allocation thereof.

Without limiting the foregoing, the Brand Development Fund may also be utilized for evaluation and monitoring of the Business Management Systems, maintenance and upgrades to the System Website, and development of Digital Media;

• (4) Franchisee agrees that the purpose of the advertising, media, marketing and activities financed by the Brand Development Fund is and shall be for the general enhancement of the System brand as associated with the Licensed Marks and general public brand recognition and awareness of the Licensed Marks.

Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 56–245)