Does Bath Tune Up have the option to create a webpage dedicated to the Franchised Business?
Bath_Tune_Up Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- (d) Franchisor may, from time to time, establish one or more interior pages on Franchisor's Web site dedicated in whole or in part to the Franchised Business ("Franchisee Page").
Franchisor may permit Franchisee to customize or post certain information to the Franchisee Page, subject to Franchisee's compliance with the procedures, policies, standards, and specifications that Franchisor may establish from time to time.
Any modifications (including customizations, alterations, submissions, or updates) to the content made by Franchisee for any purpose will be considered to be a "work made for hire" under the copyright laws, and therefore, Franchisor will own the intellectual property rights in and to the modifications.
To the extent any modification does not qualify as a work made for hire as outlined above, Franchisee assigns those modifications to Franchisor for no additional consideration and with no further action required and will sign any further assignments as Franchisor may request.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 52)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Bath Tune Up's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the franchisor may establish one or more interior pages on its website dedicated to a franchisee's business. This "Franchisee Page" could be a valuable tool for franchisees to market their specific location and services.
The FDD indicates that Bath Tune Up may allow franchisees to customize or post certain information on their Franchisee Page. However, this is subject to the franchisor's procedures, policies, standards, and specifications. This means Bath Tune Up retains control over the content and appearance of these pages to ensure brand consistency.
Any modifications made by the franchisee to the Franchisee Page will be considered a "work made for hire" under copyright laws, meaning Bath Tune Up will own the intellectual property rights to these modifications. If any modification does not qualify as a work made for hire, the franchisee must assign those modifications to Bath Tune Up. This underscores that while franchisees may contribute to their page, the franchisor ultimately owns and controls the content.