Is Belocal obligated to develop or acquire Software Programs for use in the System?
Belocal Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- B. Software Programs. For a reasonable fee, any Software Programs that Franchisor acquires or develops for use in the System; provided, that Franchisor is under no obligation to develop or acquire such Software Programs.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 71)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Belocal's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Belocal is not obligated to develop or acquire Software Programs for use in the System. However, if Belocal does acquire or develop software programs for the system, they will be provided to the franchisee for a reasonable fee.
While Belocal is not obligated to develop or acquire software, franchisees are required to acquire and use any computer, hardware, cloud systems, artificial intelligence tools, and software that Belocal requires for the operation of the franchised business. This includes any enhancements, additions, substitutions, modifications, upgrades, and specific models or versions. Franchisees may also be required to license software from Belocal or others they designate and pay associated fees.
Belocal retains the right to establish reasonable new standards for technology implementation within the System, and franchisees are obligated to comply with these standards at their own expense. Changes to technology may result in additional or increased fees payable to Belocal, its affiliates, or third-party suppliers, and may necessitate the purchase of new or additional technology. If Belocal provides any Technology or Software Programs, or requires specific cloud systems and software, Belocal reserves the right to maintain complete access at all times, without the franchisee's permission.