According to the Belocal franchise agreement, what does an 'Online Presence' include?
Belocal Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
An "Online Presence" includes, but is not limited to, (1) a website, other webpages, URLs, or domain names; (2) accounts, pages, handles, or profiles on social media sites, social networking sites, news sites and groups, online, internet, or digital directories, video, photography, audio, podcast, and messaging services, blogs, or forums; (3) e-commerce sites or accounts; (4) digital or online advertising and marketing content and services; (5) mobile applications; (6) virtual reality platforms; (7) any identifiers of an Online Presence; (8) business profile pages accessible online; or (9) a presence on any other type of online, internet, virtual, or digital tool, good, or service that may be developed.
Franchisor has the right to create, operate, and discontinue any Online Presences it deems appropriate, in its sole discretion.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 71)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Belocal's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the franchise agreement defines 'Online Presence' broadly. It encompasses a wide array of digital platforms and tools. This definition is important because Belocal franchisees are restricted in how they can use online presences to represent the brand.
Specifically, an Online Presence includes, but is not limited to, websites, webpages, URLs, and domain names. It also covers accounts, pages, handles, or profiles on social media sites, social networking sites, news sites and groups, online directories, video, photography, audio, podcast, and messaging services, blogs, or forums. The definition extends to e-commerce sites or accounts, digital or online advertising and marketing content and services, mobile applications, and virtual reality platforms.
Furthermore, the definition includes any identifiers of an Online Presence, business profile pages accessible online, and any other type of online, internet, virtual, or digital tool, good, or service that may be developed. This comprehensive definition ensures that Belocal maintains control over its brand's representation across all current and future digital channels. Belocal also has the right to create, operate, and discontinue any online presences it deems appropriate.
This broad definition has several implications for a prospective Belocal franchisee. Firstly, any online activity related to the franchise must adhere to Belocal's policies, and Belocal reserves the right to revoke any approval for a franchisee's online presence. Secondly, Belocal retains ownership of the copyrights to all material on any online presence, even material furnished by the franchisee. Finally, Belocal can claim ownership or control of any online presence a franchisee uses upon termination or transfer of the franchise agreement.