factual

What is the scope of control that Bath Tune Up retains over the design and content of its website?

Bath_Tune_Up Franchise · 2025 FDD

Answer from 2025 FDD Document

8.11. Franchisor's Web Site

  • (a) Franchisor has established and will maintain from time to time one or more sites on the Internet that may, among other things, facilitate orders, provide information about the System and the products and services that are offered at businesses operated under the Marks, and allow end-users to locate a nearby business operated under the Marks (Franchisor's Web site). Franchisor has sole discretion and control over the design and content of Franchisor's Web site. Franchisor may, at its sole option, from time to time, without prior notice to Franchisee: (i) change, revise, or eliminate the design, content, and functionality of Franchisor's Web site, (ii) make operational changes to Franchisor's Web site, (iii) change or modify the URL and/or domain name of Franchisor's Web site, (iv) substitute, modify, or rearrange Franchisor's Web site, at Franchisor's sole option, including in any manner that Franchisor considers necessary or desirable to, among other things, (A) comply with applicable laws, (B) respond to changes in market conditions or technology, and (C) respond to any other circumstances, (v) limit or restrict end-user access (in whole or in part) to Franchisor's Web site, and (vi) disable or terminate Franchisor's Web site without any liability to Franchisee.
  • (b) Franchisor may link Franchisor's Web site to the Web sites of third parties, including electronic service providers, Franchisor's Affiliates, and other providers of goods and services. Franchisor may also permit third parties to link (including links to interior pages of Franchisor's Web site, including the Franchisee Page) and frame Franchisor's Web site (including the Franchisee Page). Franchisor may place legal notices, disclaimers, Franchisor's Marks, corporate logos and slogans, advertisements, endorsements, trademarks, and other identifying information on Franchisor's Web site, all of which may

be modified, expanded, or eliminated at Franchisor's option. Further, Franchisor may establish or participate in programs whereby Franchisor refers end-users to other Web sites, or Franchisor receives referrals from other Web sites. All consideration (monetary and non-monetary) received by Franchisor on account of the placement or sale of advertisements, endorsements, and sponsorships on Franchisor's Web site (including any Franchisee Page), and all consideration (monetary and non-monetary) received by Franchisor on account of affiliate programs, will belong only to Franchisor. Franchisor may also establish programs that encourage repeat visits to Franchisor's Web site by end-users.

  • (c) Franchisor's Web site may include one or more interior pages that identify BATH TUNE-UP™ franchisees operating under the Marks, including the Franchised Business, by among other things, geographic region, address, telephone numbers, and other appropriate matters.

Franchisor's Web site may also include one or more interior pages dedicated to franchise sales by Franchisor and/or relations with Franchisor's investors.

  • (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, Bath Tune Up maintains comprehensive control over its website. Bath Tune Up has sole discretion over the design and content of its website. Bath Tune Up may change, revise, or eliminate the design, content, and functionality of its website without prior notice to the franchisee. They can also make operational changes, modify the URL or domain name, substitute or rearrange the website, and limit or restrict end-user access.

Bath Tune Up may link its website to third-party websites, including affiliates and service providers, and allow third parties to link to or frame its website. Bath Tune Up can place legal notices, disclaimers, trademarks, logos, advertisements, and other identifying information on its website.

Bath Tune Up may include pages on its website that identify franchisees, including their geographic region, address, and telephone numbers. Bath Tune Up may also create pages dedicated to franchise sales or investor relations. While franchisees may be permitted to customize or post information on a dedicated Franchisee Page, this is subject to Bath Tune Up's procedures, policies, standards, and specifications. Any modifications made by the franchisee are considered "works made for hire," with Bath Tune Up owning the intellectual property rights. If a modification does not qualify as a work made for hire, the franchisee assigns the modifications to Bath Tune Up.

Disclaimer: This information is extracted from the 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document and is provided for research purposes only. It does not constitute legal or financial advice. Consult with a franchise attorney before making any investment decisions.