Can a Beehive Homes franchisee post material on its Sites in which a third party has an ownership interest?
Beehive_Homes Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- 6.4. Web Sites. For purposes of this Section, "Site(s)" means domain names, the World Wide Web, the Internet, computer network/distribution systems, or any other electronic communications sites or means.
- (a) Franchisee may not register, own, or maintain any Sites that relate to the Home or that include any of the Names and Marks. The only domain names, Sites, or Site contractors that Franchisee may use relating to the Home or this Agreement are those Franchisor assigns or otherwise approves in writing. Franchisee acknowledges that it may not, without a legal license or other legal right, post on its Sites any material in which any third party has any direct or indirect ownership interest. Franchisee must incorporate on its Sites any information Franchisor requires in the manner Franchisor deems necessary to protect its Names and Marks.
- (b) Any use of the Marks on anySite must conform to Franchisor's requirements, including the identity and graphics Standards for all Homes. Given the changing nature of this technology, Franchisor reserves the right to withhold its approval, and to withdraw any prior approval, and to modify its requirements.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 34–123)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Beehive Homes' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, a franchisee is restricted from posting material on its websites (referred to as "Sites") if a third party holds any direct or indirect ownership interest in that material. The FDD defines "Sites" broadly to include domain names, the World Wide Web, the Internet, computer network/distribution systems, or any other electronic communications sites or means. This restriction is in place unless the franchisee has a legal license or other legal right to post such material.
Beehive Homes also requires franchisees to incorporate specific information on their Sites as deemed necessary by Beehive Homes to protect its Names and Marks. Furthermore, any use of the Marks on any Site must adhere to Beehive Homes' requirements, including identity and graphics Standards for all Homes.
Given the evolving nature of technology, Beehive Homes retains the right to withhold or withdraw approval for any Site and to modify its requirements. This means that even if a franchisee's website is initially approved, Beehive Homes can later change its standards and require modifications or even disapprove the site entirely. This gives Beehive Homes significant control over the online presence of its franchisees and ensures brand consistency.